Me in Catalonia Square in Barcelona with Pigeons

Author: Spencer Burmingham | Major: Marketing | Semester: Spring 2023

I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Seville, Spain from January to May, immersing myself in a new culture, language, and educational environment. In this blog post, I will share my experiences, reflecting on academics, culture, and offering advice to future students considering a similar adventure.

Choosing this study abroad program was driven by my passion for the Spanish language and culture which began on mission trips to the Dominican Republic and met its head here. I wanted to enhance my linguistic abilities and gain a deeper understanding of Spain’s rich history. Thus, when searching for a program that could match my cultural, professional, and academic goals, Seville jumped out at me. Less touristy than its better-known counterparts Madrid and Barcelona, as well as containing numerous universities with options for English-speaking courses, it seemed a perfect fit. The program I chose (2023 Spring Semester in Seville Arts & Sciences – CEA & USS Hybrid) not only fulfilled my goals of language and education but offered travel and immersion opportunities outside of the classroom making it my top pick when I made my decision.

The professors were knowledgeable, supportive, and encouraged interactive learning. The class sizes were smaller than what I was used to at the University of Arkansas, which allowed for more personalized attention and engaging discussions. The coursework was challenging but rewarding, pushing me to improve my language skills and broaden my cultural perspectives, especially in classes like my Intermediate Spanish course. This course led me not only to a better understanding of the language I was surrounded by, but also through the streets and markets of Seville. Excursions and out-of-the-classroom assignments were common in courses, especially those that were focused on language and culture.

The classes in Spain differed from those at my home university in terms of teaching style and focus. The emphasis tended toward critical thinking, analysis, and practical application. I am majoring in Marketing and my International and Digital Marketing courses spent the whole semester teaching different aspects of one large project which would be assembled and presented at the end of the courses.

One event that stuck out to me was in my Service-Learning class. We had been speaking about immigration and refugees and, to enhance our understanding, a refugee came in and shared his experiences fleeing from his homeland. This experience truly clicked some concepts for me and actualized ideas that had been purely academic up until that point.

Beyond the classroom, Spain offered a vibrant cultural tapestry that I eagerly explored. From savoring the delectable tapas and paella to marveling at the awe-inspiring architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona and the grandeur of La Alhambra in Granada, every day was a sensory feast. A fantastic aspect of residing in Spain is the ability to go on road trips to historic locations that are mere hours away. Cadiz, Malaga, and Gibraltar are all places that I could trek to with little difficulty at all.

The grandest pieces of architecture in the city of Seville were La Giralda and Las Setas. La Giralda is a monumental tower adjacent to the cathedral near the city center which has been used by both Moors and Catholics for more than 850 years. “Las Setas” or “The Mushrooms” appear to be shooting their 6 wooden stalks out and above an open-air plaza, lighting up the streets at night with a myriad of colors from their mushroom-shaped canopies.

My personal method of integrating into the culture around me was through music. Walking the streets of Seville, you will hear classic Flamenco wafting from many of the plazas. This obvious affinity for music that the city showed gave me the idea of searching for musical bars to hear local artists. I found a bar and just listened a few times but finally tried out a few covers with the guitar they had handy. In response to this, I met local artists and began playing in locations all over the city, becoming friends with locals and experiencing a dream of playing music on foreign soil. My final night in Seville was spent in the surreal situation of singing a cover of the Beatles song “Come Together” with a full band behind me in a bar surrounded by musician friends that I had met in my short four months abroad. There were tears shed, and hugs shared when goodbyes finally had to be made and my journey home finally had to begin.

I wholeheartedly recommend this study abroad program to other students seeking an enriching and transformative experience. However, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand. Firstly, understand that if you are not fluent in Spanish it is invaluable to try to learn basic phrases to get around in everyday life. Things like “con tarjeta” which means “with credit card” are especially important when eating out or buying groceries. Additionally, embrace the local customs and traditions, as it will help you integrate better into the community. Try doing “besos” or Spanish kisses once you’ve seen them done and have a grasp on who it is appropriate to do them with. Finally, I encourage future students to maintain an open mind, be adventurous, and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way. Even uncertain and scary circumstances can turn into once-in-a-lifetime stories, and you will not regret taking that leap of faith into the unknown.

My study abroad experience in Spain was nothing short of extraordinary. The academic growth, cultural exploration, and personal development I experienced will forever shape my perspective. From the classrooms to the streets, I discovered a new world that expanded my horizons and enriched my understanding of the global community. If you’re considering studying abroad, I urge you to take a chance on Seville—it will undoubtedly be an adventure of a lifetime.