I loved my time in Sevilla. The CEA CAPA staff were extremely helpful and set us up to navigate the city and Spain safely and productively. My teachers were excellent. They all took time to work with me if I had extra questions and would even take time to chat about life. The courses were very integrated with the city, and we spent a lot of time out getting hands-on learning experience. The CEA CAPA staff also planned and took us on trips and hosted events throughout the time I was in Spain. This was a great way to learn about the culture and about other places in southern Spain. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in this program and build relationships with the staff.

I had an incredible experience studying in the culturally rich city of Sevilla! I had the opportunity to meet so many different people from a variety of countries, cultures, and languages that I got to learn from. I enjoyed the slower-paced living style and was able to practice Spanish with locals during my stay. Sevilla also has unique festivals like Carnaval, Semana Sant Processions, and Feria (Flamenco Festival) that I was lucky to experience. I made the best memories and Sevilla will always hold a place in my heart!

Being a first year college student, I didn’t know if going abroad my freshman year would be the right choice, especially since I didn’t have much college experience yet. However; I decided to take this opportunity offered to me after receiving an amazing scholarship and went abroad my first year. I went to Sevilla Spain for a quarter (10 weeks) and had the most amazing experience. I got to embrace the beautiful culture in Sevilla and the great education CEA CAPA provided for every single one of their students. This classes weren’t like any other class, they were engaging hands on class experiences. We got to not only walk around during class around the city as we learned about the city in person, but to interact with local Sevillanos as well to complete class assignments. I learned so much about myself by the way every professor taught. Since the classes weren’t very small, we all got comfortable with one another and created a more engaging environment to learn. Moreover, I got to travel with friends and participate in the program excursions through Spain. This experience overall taught me how to become more independent, embrace life, and learn that it’s ok to live a slow life and work to live, not live to work. I promise you won’t regret getting out of your comfort zone. One must get uncomfortable to grow.

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My experience studying abroad in Seville was amazing, and I would choose it over and over again. Between the new friends I made, the classes I took, and all of the different cultures I got to be a part of and learn about, I seriously wouldn't change a thing. I was really nervous about going abroad for a whole semester, but the staff at my school were all extremely welcoming and my host dad was one of the kindest and most caring people I've ever met. Seville is a great destination to study abroad in because the city has so much history and culture to offer, but it's also very safe and easy to get around. Everyone there is very welcoming and loves to talk about their favorite parts of life in Seville, so meeting new people is so easy and such a great way to learn more about the city!

Studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain truly changed my life. It changed my outlook on life and has now allowed me to be more grateful, openminded, and accepting. I enjoyed immersing myself in the Spanish culture through their language, food, and education. Getting to walk everywhere, try new food, and meet people from all over Europe was so amazing. I was able to meet people through my university, by traveling, and simply by sitting by the river when I just wanted to be still for a moment. Studying in Seville, Spain was an experience that I will appreciate and remember for the rest of my life.

My experience abroad went extremely smoothly. CEA CAPA staff did a great job preparing me by clarifying what to expect and being a support system while I was abroad. I particularly enjoyed the excursions we did as a class, through these I was able to learn about the local culture. The course I was enrolled in also was very sufficient in mixing Spanish culture within our learning. Our weekly schedule also allowed for weekend travel, which was great to take advantage of and see the surrounding areas of Seville.

Studying abroad in Seville through CEA CAPA was hands down an experience of a lifetime. CEA CAPA itself is very supportive and welcoming to all its students, and the professors I had were local to Seville, who provided the best recommendations.

Seville was the most fantastic city. It is smaller, but it has so much to see and do. It was easy to navigate and felt very safe. The social scene and nightlife were very enjoyable, but if that's not your thing, getting tapas and visiting Setas was another highlight.

Before arriving in Spain, I knew the official language was Spanish. I just didn’t realize how different it would feel actually speaking it in a native country instead of learning it in a classroom. On the day of my arrival, I was immediately immersed in Spanish. I stayed in a homestay for the duration of my trip, living with my host mom, Susana, and my roommate. My host mom only spoke Spanish, and my roommate spoke Spanish very well. I felt like the odd one out and really struggled the first few days.

I had taken Spanish classes for six years, from middle school through high school. But it had been over two years since my last class, so I quickly realized that remembering all the grammar rules and vocabulary was going to be challenging. Those first few days, I realized I would have to become comfortable with stepping out of my shell.

Simple things like understanding conversations at dinner, talking with my uber driver, or shopping at the local market felt overwhelming at first. I often caught only bits and pieces of what was said and had to rely on context or body language. But gradually, with a lot of practice and patience from others, I started to feel more confident. I used tools like Google Translate and Duolingo and tried to speak Spanish every day, even when I knew I might make mistakes. My host mom was very kind and would repeat phrases slowly or use hand gestures to help me understand.

Living in the Los Remedios neighborhood helped me become more immersed in the language and culture. Hearing Spanish all around me—on the streets, in cafes, and at home—has helped me grow more comfortable with the language.

Navigating life in a non-English-speaking country has taught me not only about Spanish, but about resilience and the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s been one of the most rewarding parts of my experience abroad so far. My biggest advice is to not let being unfamiliar with a language stop you from getting your full experience while studying abroad. You will get better at a foreign language by continuous practice, not by giving up.