Alumni Spotlight: Summer in Seville

We catch up with some of our students that studied in Seville, Spain during the summer of 2019. There, they learned the Spanish language and experienced Spanish culture first-hand.

A student standing by a river and a night view in Seville.

Would you recommend the Seville study abroad program to other students?

Sydney Arikawa

“Yes – 6 credits to study in another country: YES. I’ve made friends from all over the US and got close to people from my school.”

Olivia Hinchley
“This program was an awesome way to explore Spain and learn the language.”

Maya Waldrep
“This program had a great mix of activities and classes.”

Owen Durkan
“This program helped me understand all of the problems I had faced in understanding the Spanish language.”

Mariah Ramirez
“Yes, because I was able to learn more Spanish in just one month than I had over several years.”

Adam Guzman
“Was able to truly learn a lot about the culture and language while having a fun time and exploring many different places.”

Would you recommend the Seville study abroad program to other students?

Sydney Arikawa

“Yes – 6 credits to study in another country: YES. I’ve made friends from all over the US and got close to people from my school.”

Olivia Hinchley
“This program was an awesome way to explore Spain and learn the language.”

Maya Waldrep
“This program had a great mix of activities and classes.”

Owen Durkan
“This program helped me understand all of the problems I had faced in understanding the Spanish language.”

Mariah Ramirez
“Yes, because I was able to learn more Spanish in just one month than I had over several years.”

Adam Guzman
“Was able to truly learn a lot about the culture and language while having a fun time and exploring many different places.”

 

What aspects of the program would you like to remain unchanged?

Owen Durkan
“Camel rides, beach excursions, and cathedral tours.”

The program aims to encourage the development of personal independence and self-reliance. To what extent has this been achieved for you?

Sydney Arikawa

“Just like college, everything is on you. You need something? Go get it or ask for help. The first day is when you really have to be independent to find a taxi, go to/find your house, and talking to your house mom.”

Olivia Hinchley
“I definitely got to develop independence.”

Rosey-Maruko Talley
“I truly believe that I’ve gained a great sense of independence in just this one month. This was my first time abroad and being alone has helped me grow in many aspects.”

Madison Carlin
“I’ve been independent for a while, but now I feel like I’ve grown even more. I saved a lot of money for this trip and now it feels great knowing I worked hard… I feel very proud of myself.”


What advice would you give to students who are thinking about studying abroad?

Sydney Arikawa
“Best experience I have ever had. To be honest, 4 weeks is not enough. It went by way too fast. Spain is so beautiful in every way. Advice: expect nothing, you’ll be so fulfilled in ways you would never think of.”

Olivia Hinchley
“My time in Spain was incredible. This was a much better way to learn the language than a traditional classroom. I loved this city and program.”

Rosey-Maruko Talley
“Time goes by very fast! Don’t waste your days inside watching NETFLIX when you can go out and explore! This place is incredible and there’s so much to see!”

Maya Waldrep
“I learned a lot in the past month about Spanish culture and the language. I would suggest trying all new foods.”

Samantha Barth
“I had a wonderful time in Spain, but did feel homesick a lot and I’d recommend other students to expect that and find ways to work around it.”

Madison Carlin
“This was the best decision I’ve ever made. If a whole semester is too long, the summer session is the perfect amount of time. You get to make new friends, travel around Spain, eat good food, and learn Spanish all at the same time!”

Owen Durkan
“I suggest that they come prepared to embrace all facets of the culture and force themselves to be in situations that will help them learn about it.”

Kestrel Lehrmen
“It was awesome. You meet new people, have crazy new experiences, definitely do it! You’ll learn so much – about yourself, others, Spain, Spanish, etc.”

Mariah Ramirez
“I greatly enjoyed my time in Spain! My host mother was nice and welcoming and Susana my professor was very helpful in teaching me new skills. Also though it was only one month I was able to make some great friends.”

Adam Guzman
“This was a once in a lifetime trip. I have learned so much about different cultures and languages that have opened my perspective to beyond of what I could have imagined. I’m excited to travel to new places and learn even more!”