How Food Gave Me Confidence

Words and photos by Nicole Bernache, who studied abroad with ASA in Sevilla, Spain, during the Spring semester of 2025.

When I first arrived in Sevilla, I knew food would be an important part of the culture.

What I didn’t realize was how much it would also shape my confidence as a study
abroad student. From ordering my first tapas to discovering hidden gems in my
neighborhood, food became a way of connecting with the city and with myself in ways I never expected.

One of my earliest lessons came at a café. I stumbled through my order in Spanish,
unsure if I had said the right thing. Instead of getting frustrated, the barista smiled and
helped me. The next time I ordered coffee somewhere else, I knew what to say with
more confidence. That small moment showed me how much little victories matter, and
each one made Sevilla feel more like home.

Asking locals for recommendations also became part of the experience. Early on, I
asked my site coordinator where I should go for tapas, and she pointed me to a spot I
might never have found on my own. That meal ended up being one of my favorites in
Sevilla, not just because of the food but because it reminded me how valuable it is to
rely on people who know the city best. Something as simple as asking “What’s good
here?” opened the door to conversations and connections that made Sevilla feel more
welcoming.

Tapas were another way to push myself. They’re naturally adventurous, since you don’t
have to commit to one dish, and trying something new is part of the fun. I started out with
the safer options, like patatas bravas, but soon I was branching out to things I had never
tried before. Each plate felt like a step toward being braver, whether it was
experimenting with a new flavor or speaking up more confidently in Spanish.

Of course, some favorites stayed with me no matter what. Churros con chocolate
became a must-have treat. Patatas bravas, with their crispy edges and slightly spicy
sauce, were my go-to when I wasn’t sure what to order, and they even reminded me a
little of home. These simple, delicious foods grounded me and proved that comfort can
exist even when everything else feels unfamiliar.

What I love about food in Sevilla is how it brought people together just as much as it
gave me independence. There were nights when I went out with friends and we ordered
a table full of tapas to share, and other times when I was perfectly content to sit alone
with a coffee or a plate of churros. Both felt important. The social meals gave me
memories I’ll never forget, but the solo moments reminded me I was capable of
navigating a new city on my own.

Food was also about finding “my spots” in the city. For me, one of those places was
Mito, a gelato shop in Los Remedios, the neighborhood where I lived. Going there with
friends after class or at night after dinner turned into a ritual. It wasn’t just about the
gelato (though it was amazing); it was about having a place we could count on, one that
always felt familiar. Those routines made the city feel less like a foreign destination and
more like somewhere I belonged.

Looking back, I realize food taught me a lot more than I expected. It showed me how to
take small risks, how to ask questions, and how to laugh at myself when things didn’t go
perfectly. Most of all, it reminded me that immersing yourself in a new culture can be as
simple as ordering a plate of tapas or sharing dessert with friends.

Thanks, Nicole!