I chose to study abroad in Seville in the spring, and it was the best decision I could have made. In the spring, they have two festivals that cannot be missed. One of them is Holy Week but called Semana Santa in Spanish. Two weeks later, is their Feria de Abril which also lasts a week long! This was easily my favorite experience of my study abroad and I recommend it to everyone who is thinking about studying in Seville to stay that entire week. I was able to wear a traditional flamenco dress and hang out with Sevillanos. The social scene overall is lively and there is always opportunities to get to know other people/students. I never had a bad experience with the locals (even when talking to them in Spanish). The food is amazing and even when you get tired of Spanish cuisine they offer a variety of food all around the center. When I traveled around Europe, I always felt like Seville was my home base and by the end of every trip, I wanted to return back.

WOW! My time abroad was amazing. I would not have changed anything if I could. I loved my school, host family, roommate, and everything about Sevilla. One of my favorite parts about studying abroad was being able to be immersed in a culture without being a tourist. There is something so special about calling a foreign land a home. I was able to learn about life across the world and experience something so unique. I also loved living with a host family. It was in their home that I was able to practice Spanish in a way I have never done before.

My time in Sevilla, Spain was such a wonderful experience especially as my very first time abroad. I originally applied due to interest in the history course offered, but the sheer fun I had with my classmates as well as the relationship fostered with the staff in my time there was very heartwarming. I felt incredibly safe due to the gated housing. I had access to a lot of banks/ATMs, grocery stores, restaurants, and a lot of close by local attractions like the Alcazar and the Plaza de España. And coupled with the sheer atmosphere of being in such a beautiful country was the fact that the class was just as interesting. The professor really went out of his way to educate us and I'll forever be grateful for that.

Definitely go for it! It's okay to be nervous and scared at first, but I PROMISE you'll soon come to relax and love it so much that you'll promise yourself you'd come back!

You are missing out if you haven't heard the song "Sevilla Tiene un Color Especial" by Los Del Río. This song perfectly describes my experience in Sevilla with ISA. The song talks about how Sevilla has a special color, and I couldn't agree more. What made Sevilla so special? The people. The ISA staff, professors, and directors were all very nice; they made me feel like family and always helped, whether it was with academics or recommendations for shopping or food. Additionally, I had a host mom who helped me navigate Sevilla and travel throughout Europe.
The culture in Sevilla was fascinating and beautiful. For example, everywhere I went, people were singing or dancing to flamenco. Semana Santa was very traditional, and their tortillas were amazing. Furthermore, the classes were the most interesting I've ever had in my life. They were very active and engaging, and I learned so much. I even took flamenco classes! As I mentioned earlier, the professors were great!
Lastly, the people in Sevilla were very nice. I met many locals who included me in their plans and showed me around. Sevilla will forever have a special place in my heart. I learned so much by exploring a country very different from the ones I've been to. I would highly recommend people visit Sevilla, Spain, but only if it's with ISA.

Spending a semester abroad in Sevilla was one of the best experiences that I have ever had. All of the staff were very helpful and made a point to get to know all of us individually. The city is very safe and I made lots of Spanish friends that I still talk to regularly now that I'm back in the States. The classes were engaging and the professors were all very knowledgable. The city is very walkable and accessible which made getting around easy. Outside of the city centre there are a lot of small restaurants for a more local feel to the city and the food.

This experience was life-changing! I didn't know what to expect when I first got to Sevilla, so I came in with an open mind. That was honestly the best thing I could have possibly done. Upon arrival, the program staff and my homestay family greeted me with warmth. Although I didn't know Spanish and my homestay family didn't know English, we created a strong bond and were able to teach each other and learn from each other. I learned so much about myself going abroad, and it gave me confidence and a new perspective on how I approach life.
Throughout the program I met some incredible people who I still keep in touch with today. We bonded over shared experiences and traveled together throughout Spain. It was amazing because it sort of provided a safety net and secure space, knowing that you all have shared emotions! We all had so much fun together and didn't want to leave!

This experience was one of the best I have ever had. I went on this trip completely alone, not sure what to expect. I was nervous but filled with excitement. Upon my arrival, I was picked up by my host family at the ISA building. My first impression was that they were very kind, but I was nervous so we did not speak much at first. I was excited to be a part of a home stay, however my first weekend there, my family went on a trip, and I was alone. It was an interesting experience adjusting to a foreign country alone, but I managed. I do wish I had gotten closer with my family however.
I met the most incredibly people and made lifelong friends of both locals and other students in the program. The excursions were fun and educational, and the trips were well planned. My only regret is that I wish I would have stayed longer! Because of this program, I am going to be returning to Spain this summer for an internship in Madrid.

Not to be dramatic, but my study abroad experience in Seville, Spain is all I ever talk and think about. I am that person who always references their time studying abroad whenever I get the chance to do so. Seville was special to me because I was already pretty familiar with the culture of southern Spain from having taken Spanish classes in the past. I made so many friends in my program and made so many connections and had an absolutely unforgettable time.

I lived with a host family which was extremely helpful in practicing the language and learning the culture. Living in the on-campus housing would've been a convenient choice, but I wanted to experience life abroad in the most authentic ways possible. I miss my host mom's cooking! Forcing yourself to be immersed in the culture & language is a great way to fully appreciate it.

One of the most challenging aspects of going abroad was the traveling in general. I made it a point to "rehearse" traveling by making checklists, fitting things into my suitcase, going through security, deciding what would go into my carry-on, etc. One of the most important things I learned is to pack a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case of flight delays or cancellations.

One negative thing I have to say is surrounding culture shock. This is a common occurrence and I was in no way exempt! Program managers can warn you, but until you get there and experience it yourself, you find that there's really no way out but through. One of the most pertinent examples of culture shock I experienced was in customer service related scenarios. Spaniards don't waste time saying "hi, how are you?" at restaurants or stores. Everything is very to-the-point and straightforward. Asking how someone is is reserved for close personal relationships only!

I will spend forever trying to maintain the happiness and carefreeness I experienced during my study abroad experience. I learned so much more than I thought I would, about myself and the world, as well as practicing speaking Spanish. If someone ever mentions going abroad to me, I try to convince them to do it because it was the best time of my entire life.