A Year in Sevilla

I studied in Sevilla, Spain with API for the entire 2010-2011 academic year. It was the best decision I have ever made.

There are a plethora of programs in Sevilla. Was I happy with my decision? YES. After getting to know students in all different types of programs, I was so happy to have chosen API. Somehow API is more affordable than most programs, yet they still offer the most excursions... including international ones! I traveled with API to many different areas of Spain. Some of my favorite were tiny little towns I never would have discovered on my own. We also went to Paris, France and Marrakech, Morocco! The excursions had just the right amount of planned activities and free time.

Travel was great, but my best memories are probably from Sevilla itself. I lived with an adorable young family. My host mom was an actress, so I had the opportunity to go to several theatrical events in the city as well as watch Spanish movies with her. I had adorable younger host sisters who we would play games with. I had American roommates who are now some of my best friends. No worries though, we had no problems making Spanish friends. We would go to their house and teach them American games, etc, and they would teach us how to cook Spanish and Moroccan food. Keeping in touch with them has really been important for my retention of my Spanish.

Sevilla is the perfect size. It is large enough to have infinite exploration possibilities, but it is small enough to walk everywhere you want to go. Each neighborhood in Sevilla has a completely distinct atmosphere, so there are places for everyone. Each night of the week you could go to a different area. I greatly miss Sevilla's food! Tapa hopping was definitely a favorite activity.

The University of Sevilla is lovely. The building itself is hundreds of years old. I mostly took Spanish culture classes like the history of flamenco and art from Andalucia. While I definitely think my classes improved my Spanish skills, I must admit there was minimal work involved. My grades mostly consisted of a mid term, a final, and maybe one large project of paper. Other than that, there was minimal work outside of class.

All year in Sevilla I heard talk of the spring festivals, Semana Santa and Feria de Abril, or Holy Week and the April Fair. I thought my time in Sevilla couldn't get any better... but it did. Semana Santa was a really touching religious and cultural experience. Sevilla is known throughout the world for the processions of church altars throughout the city. After this week of solemnity and devotion, the April Fair begins. Feria was probably the best week of my life. A special area of the city transforms into a village of large tents with bars and dancefloors, called casetas. The other half is a full blown carnival with food and rides. The streets are filled with horses and carriages. You spend all day and night there. My favorite part is the clothing... The men dress up in suits, and the women wear flamenco dresses! It is such a part of their culture that in the winter there is even a flamenco fashion exhibition in Sevilla preparing for Feria.

My year in Sevilla was a fantastic experience from which I gained infinite memories and friendships. I can't recommend it enough!