CIEE Semester in Seville

Studying abroad in Seville, Spain, was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. As a low-income college student, I never thought studying abroad would be possible for me, even though spending a semester in Spain had been a dream of mine since the beginning my freshman year of high school. Before coming to college, opportunities like this felt completely out of reach. Thanks to scholarships, financial aid, and support from my university and CIEE, I was able to turn that dream into reality. Living in a homestay was one of the highlights of my experience. It gave me the opportunity to experience Spanish culture firsthand, improve my Spanish skills, and learn what daily life in Spain is really like. The academics were engaging, and the support provided by CIEE was excellent from the application through the end of the program. One challenge I faced was healthcare, since I receive a monthly medication. It was little difficult to make sure I had enough before leaving, and I ended up needing to get a dose while abroad and had to pay for it out of pocket. This created some additional stress, but the staff were supportive whenever I needed help navigating challenges like this. I also found making friends difficult at times, but this is something I have always struggled with. Even so, I was able to form a meaningful friendship during my semester abroad. Overall, studying in Seville helped me grow academically, personally, and culturally. One finally piece of advice: If you are currently an undergraduate student who thinks studying abroad is financially our of reach., don't count yourself out. I once felt the same way and I encourage you to explore your opinions. I never thought I would have the chance to do something like this, and it ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.

I would highly recommend CIEE Study Abroad to a friend or a peer because it has been an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience for me. The program provided a great balance between academics and cultural immersion, allowing me to grow both personally and academically. Living with a host family has allowed me to practice my Spanish daily and experience the culture in a more authentic and personal way. I also really appreciate how supportive and available the CIEE staff are. Overall, this experience has helped me become more independent, confident, and open-minded.

I would likely recommend CIEE study abroad to a friend or peer for being an amazing program that helps set you up for success throughout the semester. Whether it being academics, meeting people, or taking on abroad overall.