CCIS Study Abroad in Spain

To study abroad more than immerse me into a new culture, it helps me know a new side of me. It was an excellent experience, I comprehended the cultural roots of my country, Venezuela; and I was able to explore being a student in a different country. Now that I am back home, I am able to see how much I have changed; I have a new view of what is to be living and how grateful we have to be in our everyday.
Since the first moment, it was an adventure, I was moving into a new continent without knowing how special Seville going to become after living the experience. Personally, it was my first time traveling on my own; I knew that moment that I had to be very responsible all the time and break my comfort zone. I was very excited because I didn't even know my roommate or my host-mother were or look like (I only contacted them through email twice before going there). I tried to have a new taste of the sense of exploring through studying a semester in a new place.
The program that I worked with was perfect in all conditions, from pre-departure until we finished the program. Before, they explained every single detail of the lifestyle and how a student can be involved in the Spanish culture very easily. I had kind of an idea, but It wasn't clear until I went there. What caught my attention from the first moment was how passionate the staff works in the program, they are very organized, detailed and I was able to notice how much time they spend in their day into the program, always with the best attitude and showing love in their activities. They gave me a warm welcome and made me feel like home, I was very comfortable and you can trust them with the eyes closed. They offered a bunch of activities for students and it helped me to get knowledge about Spanish lifestyle and history. Some of them were city tours, field trips, cultural visits, internships, volunteering, dance classes, cooking classes, etc. I enjoyed all the activities and I learned how to see the things from life with a different perspective.
Where I stayed was in a student residencia, I lived with a host-mother and a roommate. We all come from different cultures, my host-mother was Spanish, my roommate American and I am Venezuelan. I love that they are part of my experience in Seville, we shared and I learned from them. My host mother is an amazing person, she is the sweetest woman I have ever met, she is a very special person to me. My host-mother is very smart and is the kind of person that you can have a deep conversation with. She explained me very detailed every single aspect of Spanish culture, I really enjoyed talking with her about history and art. She is a happy person who knows how to enjoy life and take advantage of the minutes that life gives us. I used to talk to her before going to bed, it helped me to think about what I really want to achieve in life, inspire me to take rest and start a new day. She is a very peculiar person with an explosive personality and an extraordinary mentality.On another hand, my roommate was a very nice girl, all the moment made me feel comfortable. We respected each other spaces, she became very close and we learned from each other.
As a student, I was taking classes in two different organizations, International College of Seville and the University of Seville. I felt motivated all the time with the classes, it helped to understand deeper the Spanish culture and I was lucky to have the professors from the program, they are inspirational people. I had a good relationship with them and more than a lecture taught in the class, every class was a lesson of life. The course content was excellent, they made us understand the topics and how it is reflected today. I was privileged to have them as a professor because they showed us the role model in life in their own way and with wonderful personalities. It was very grateful to go to class, I knew that each day going to be different. You have responsibilities as a student, but the program’s structure doesn’t make you feel frustrated or stressed; they make you enjoy while you are learning. I think that is the most effective way to learn and comprehend what is around us.
I really enjoy every second of the program, the time goes fast and you should take advantages to explore. This program is designed to break the comfort zone and don’t be afraid from the first moment. Exploring here means to see your surrounding and get to know more about yourself. I had the opportunity to know new places inside and outside Spain, compare cultures, met new people, understand different perspectives; and experience new things. For me to study abroad helped me take a breath from the routine I had at home, it showed me that we need to do what we love; in our every day, we need to be around people who appreciate and inspire us; and each day counts if we want to work for our goals. Anything is impossible to achieve and for me to study abroad was a goal I had in my life, and know I came true that dream. To resume my experience with few words is almost impossible, I can only define it with to be grateful for our life.

Studying abroad at The International College of Seville was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only was all of the staff extremely helpful and friendly, but the program worked to build a very close community where I made lifelong friends. The school is located in a great area of Seville, which is one of the most incredible cities in Andalucia, and I had the most amazing host mom (hi Isabel). ICS had wonderful teachers who wanted to see you succeed and they also offered the opportunity to go to the Universidad de Sevilla to study advanced Spanish courses. This program included a lot of trips and city visits. If you are looking to study abroad in Spain and have the time of your life - CCIS at The International College of Seville is the place to be!

Studying abroad changed my life forever. In January 2017, I left my home in New Jersey to travel to Spain for the very first time. Upon arrival, I was extremely nervous and had no idea what to expect. I was greeted at the airport by Lisa Dolan, a representative from the International College of Seville. I immediately felt welcomed and knew that I had found a home here. The International College of Seville did an outstanding job making students feel welcomed into a new society and culture. They go above and beyond for their students. In Seville, I met a guy, who had returned to study abroad through CCIS for the third time, and I can happily say that we fell in love. I left my home in New Jersey to move to Indianapolis to finish my college career and to live with the love of my life. I thank the International College of Seville every day for bringing such an amazing person into my life. We now have a home and family in Seville (our host families and staff at ICS) that we will be seeing this June, as well as traveling to 8 more counties. Through studying abroad I have found a person whom I love, and a place that I love and that I can always go back to.

I have always wanted to do a study abroad experience, but my parents never taught it was a good idea. I grew up in a small town where their is really nothing to do other than walk around the neighborhood. I wanted to learn more about the world and wanted to travel to a different country. When I told my parents about CCIS they were hesitant about it. I was leaving them for three months. I told them everything about the program. I would only be a 10 min walk from the school, the multiple cultural trips and visits on the weekend, I would be staying with a host family, food was included, volunteer, play soccer, study and many more opportunities. Once I told them I was staying with a host family they felt more comfortable with me going. Before going abroad I was nervous because I did not know anybody and I did not know how they where going to treat me. I overwhelmed myself by doing that because the professors, staff, advisors, host family, and everyone was AWESOME! I got to build a connection with my host family and got to experience and live the life they do on a daily. The school was always their to help and where a phone call, text, or walk away. I felt like I was at home. I always felt safe when I was there. I would definitely recommend this program to everyone! Seville will forever have a spot in my heart and will be visiting soon!

This program is amazing and the staff have done an amazing job immersing us into the spanish culture. I’ve studied abroad three times with this program and every single time was life changing. I would easily praise this program to anyone considering going abroad. I miss being there more than anything and have created a family with the staff. My closest friends and I will forever do whatever we need to do to return back to Sevilla. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a grand adventure.

Getting the opportunity to study abroad in Spain for a semester through the CCIS program was the opportunity of a lifetime. I had never traveled outside of the United States before, so this trip meant a lot to me. I learned about another culture and language completely different from the United States which broadened my horizon. I had the opportunity to travel to other parts of Europe and even North Africa! I absolutely loved the trips that CCIS sponsored. Those trips gave us the opportunity to experience life in such a beautiful different way. I often wish I could relive this time of my life over and over again. To the future participants: pack light, travel as much as you can, and HAVE FUN because the time passes faster than you think! Thank you CCIS for investing in my dream!

I absolutely love this city!!! Also, the faculty is really nice and understanding, we have planned city trips almost every weekend, and the classes aren't difficult at all. Seriously, I would 10/10 recommend this program. I was one of 26 students, so it's a good amount of people to be traveling with. I'm one month into this program, and I wish I could stay forever! Useful tip: don't over pack, you will want to blend in with the culture so you will want to buy clothes here. Also, it gets cold at night so I would recommend a heavy jacket.