Clemson University
Sevilla, Spain
From September - December 2024, I had the honor to study abroad in Sevilla, Spain in the southern region of Andalusia which holds approximately 70% of the country's total population. Many of the Spanish customs and traditions that are well known from people around the world such as bull-fighting and flamenco dancing originated in this region. During my time, I broadened my knowledge of Spanish and European history, immersed myself in a completely new culture, and experienced the world in a way that I previously never could of imagined. I am extremely grateful for this life changing opportunity as it broadened my scope of thinking and appreciation for different people and cultures other than my own. This page reflects on my observations, acquired skills, lessons, travel adventures, and my favorite photographs from my time abroad.
Hola España
I boarded my flight out of Charleston, SC at the beginning of September and prepared for my long journey to Sevilla, Spain. I remember that I was flooded with a mix of emotions: excitement, joy, anxiety, and a little bit of fear. I was not a seasoned traveler at that point in my life and moving to a European country for a whole semester where they have a different native language seemed like a wonderful yet scary adventure for me. Little did I know that the journey in store for me would be to date the greatest and most influential experience in my life. I remember on my first day in Sevilla, despite experiencing jet-leg, walking to the Plaza de España (pictured to the left) and breathing in the warm Andalusian air while the sun shined down on me. I felt a reassurance that I was in the right place and decided that I was going to develop the mindset while being abroad that I would spend my time being excited about the new experiences I was going to encounter rather than being homesick missing my life back in the United States.
Settling in...
It is always important to prepare for international travel through proper packing, flight scheduling, and time management, however there are some aspects such as "culture shock" that are more difficult to account for. I remember the overwhelming experience of starting the day in my hometown in the United States and finishing it in a new home half way across the world. In my experience, it took me about three weeks to reach feel 100% adjusted and comfortable in my new daily life. A few of the new Spanish customs that stood out to me were the later meal times with lunch being around 3:00 pm with a siesta after and then dinner around 10:00 pm. I also was fascinating with the difference in tipping culture compared to the United States, as additional tips on the bill in restaurants and bars is certainly appreciated but not expected. There is usually a service charge included in the bill as a way of compensation to the waiter.
Another aspect of my time abroad that I am so grateful for looking back but definitely took some adjusting to was living with a host family. I lived in an apartment in Los Remedios (barrio of Sevilla) with a wonderful couple which truly immersed me in local Spanish culture. The couple did not speak fluent English so it forced me to get outside my comfort zone and practice my Spanish Speaking abilities every day. I was able to significantly increase my Spanish speaking proficiency through this experience and now have another family halfway in Europe.
I think it is important to develop a weekly routine to help overcome "culture shock" and also promote success within classes. Everyday, I would eat breakfast with my host family and then begin the 20 minute walk to my classes in El Centro. On the way, I would pass by two of my favorite places which were the Royal Alcazar Palace and The Cathedral of Sevilla/ Giralda. I discovered that this is the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Beyond its impressive size, it serves as a powerful testament to the lives and culture of Sevilla’s past inhabitants. Constructed in the 16th century, the cathedral was built over the remnants of a former mosque. The most notable surviving piece of the mosque is the towering, intricately detailed La Giralda, which still stands today. I would then attend my classes and get coffee with peers in the break period in between them. I then would return home and eat lunch and begin my homework. After that, I would either take a Siesta or more commonly pick a new activity or area to explore. Finally, I would return home and eat dinner with my second family then go to sleep and begin the process all over again the next day!
Spanish Culture
One of the cultural differences I quickly noticed was the distinct approach to time. In Spain, people generally move at a more relaxed pace, and arriving early to events is uncommon; if anything, arriving late is often expected. The daily schedule typically starts at 10 a.m., with work continuing until around 4 p.m., followed by a two-hour siesta when nearly everything shuts down for rest. Work resumes around 6 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m., while nightlife, especially in southern Spain, often extends until 3 a.m. I discovered that this routine is influenced by the intense summer heat, which makes it difficult to be outside during the day. From 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., people of all ages gather at local tapas bars to socialize, even on weeknights.
One of the most interesting things that I noticed about Andalusian culture in relation to the rest of Spain was the way people spoke Spanish. For starters, it is common to speak the lanuguage extremely fast compared to places in the world that also speak Spanish. Andalusians are also well known for cutting off the ends of words so that they can speak faster. This can be extremely difficult to understand for a person learning the language in a different dialect such as Latin American Spanish and takes about a month to develop an ear to understand the different ways people say words and use expressions.
During my time abroad, I also met wonderful people from various parts of the world. Making connections was easy in Spain, as Sevilla’s vibrant atmosphere encourages lively conversations, especially over tapas and wine—essentials at nearly every social gathering. I quickly realized that the culture’s warmth toward social interactions fosters fast friendships. I cherished the joy of each meal and gathering, always filled with laughter and engaging conversations. I took every chance to speak with locals, whether at tapas bars, festivals, or neighborhood shops, striking up conversations with Sevillans, immigrants, and tourists alike. The locals were eager to share their favorite things to do or try in their beloved city. Every corner revealed a new hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Below are some of my favorite moments from nearby excursions, exploring the charming streets of Sevilla, soccer games, and much more!
Traveling to other Countries
While abroad, I took advantage of the affordable and relatively close travel opportunities to other countries in Europe. Planning trips enhanced my planning and time management skills as it was essential to creating a well thought out itenary and efficient use of my limited time in other places. A few of my favorite trips were to Stockholm, Sweden, Porto/Lisbon Portugal, Amsterdam, and Paris. Here are a few of my photos from these trips.
Key Takeaways
My time in Sevilla provided me with a unique experience that deepened my understanding of Spanish culture and the rich diversity within the Iberian Peninsula. I grew both academically and personally, gaining independence, adaptability, and insight through classes and observations that expanded my knowledge of Spanish history and society. Immersed in the language and culture, I significantly improved my Spanish proficiency. My stay in Sevilla was filled with unforgettable memories and ignited a lifelong passion for travel and all it entails. I am excited to apply everything I learned abroad to future endeavors and remain deeply grateful for the lessons and skills gained during my time in Spain.