Sevilla, España

As part of my degree program, I had the opportunity to study abroad during the spring semester of 2025. I spent four months in Seville, Spain, where I took courses including Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition, Hispanic Film, and Spanish Contemporary Literature, while also completing a marketing internship at Lantia Publishing. Since I was a little girl, I had always dreamed of studying abroad and immersing myself in a new culture. Prior to arriving in Seville, my goals were to improve my Spanish, understand the culture, and fully embrace the spirit of Andalusia. I was eager to grow personally and professionally and to see the world from a new perspective.

 

Once I arrived, my goals quickly evolved beyond just language and culture. Living daily life in Spain taught me so much more about independence, communication, and presence. I became more intentional about truly living in the moment, something that felt almost effortless in Seville. I was deeply inspired by how people around me prioritized connection over convenience. Spanish families gathered for long dinners that stretched late into the night, with no phones in sight. People lingered over coffee instead of rushing to the next task. There was no constant hurry, just presence. This pace of life changed me profoundly. I began to understand that being “productive” is not always about doing more; sometimes it is about doing less but doing it with intention.

 

One of the most admirable cultural differences I observed was the way Spaniards value time with others. Whether among family or friends, people were genuinely present. Long meals, relaxed conversations, and deep engagement with one another were the norm. It was rare to see anyone scrolling through a phone or multitasking during social time. The other cultural trait that stood out to me was the warmth and friendliness of Andalusian people. Almost everyone I met greeted me with openness and sincerity, often going out of their way to make me feel welcome. These daily interactions, small but powerful, changed how I approach others. Since returning home, I have made a conscious effort to carry that same warmth into my own life, offering genuine kindness to both friends and strangers.

 

An extremely impactful and memorable experience I had abroad took place on February 27, 2025, during an early morning flight from Seville to Lisbon. Just before takeoff, I realized I had left my sentimental water bottle at security. I sprinted off the plane, retrieved it, and reboarded, hot, out of breath, and slightly embarrassed. My seatmate, Ignacio, struck up a conversation that ended up lasting the entire flight. He was from Seville and engaged to an American woman he had met when she studied abroad years earlier. We talked about cultural differences, relationships, and the beauty of slowing down. His kindness and perspective reminded me of the power of human connection and how two people from different backgrounds can find common ground through simple conversation. That flight became a metaphor for my whole experience: a little chaotic, a little unplanned, but full of unexpected beauty.

 

My time in Seville also made me reflect deeply on my own society and habits back in the United States. The contrast between Spain’s slower, community-oriented rhythm and America’s fast-paced “hustle culture” was striking. In Seville, work-life balance was not an aspiration; it was a way of life. People valued leisure, relationships, and health just as much as productivity. Returning home made me realize how often we sacrifice joy and connection for efficiency. Even the way cities are designed reflects these values. In Seville, I walked everywhere and rarely needed transportation. Back home, where walking is not built into daily life, I have noticed how much I miss that freedom and presence. These differences have pushed me to be more intentional about how I live, to slow down, disconnect from technology, and make space for genuine experiences.

 

Academically, studying abroad reinforced much of what I had learned in my global and international business courses. Observing culture firsthand gave meaning to the theories I had studied about communication, consumer behavior, and the role of culture in business. One of the most impactful parts of my academic experience was my Spanish Contemporary Literature course, taught by my professor, Cristina. She made learning come alive through walking tours of Seville, connecting the literature to the city’s architecture, art, and people. Beyond class, she joined us for coffee or drinks, sharing stories about her life and work. Cristina became a role model for me, someone who embodied balance, curiosity, and purpose. She showed me that success and fulfillment can coexist, and that true learning happens both inside and outside the classroom.

 

Studying abroad in Seville changed me in ways I never could have imagined. I arrived hoping to improve my Spanish and learn about another culture, but I left with a deeper understanding of myself and what I value most. Living in Spain taught me to slow down, be present, and live intentionally. I found joy in everyday routines and learned to connect more genuinely with others. The lessons I gained, from conversations with strangers to quiet walks through the city, continue to influence how I live and who I strive to be. My semester abroad was not just an academic experience, but truly the greatest experience of my life. It completely transformed my outlook on the world, reshaped my values, and solidified my desire to return to Europe after graduation. Seville gave me more than memories; it gave me direction, purpose, and a renewed sense of what it means to live a meaningful, fulfilling life.