Words and photos by Maria Eduarda Brizon, who studied abroad with ASA in Seville, Spain, during the spring semester of 2025.
It’s funny how life works sometimes. I always knew I wanted to study abroad; it was never really a question for me. Traveling has always been something I’m deeply passionate about, and I’ve known for a long time that I want it to be part of my future career. So, when I found out that my college requires International Business majors to study abroad, it felt like everything just clicked. It was one of those “this was meant to happen” moments.
Studying abroad didn’t just give me the chance to travel, it allowed me to live it, even if only for four months. Attending Universidad Pablo de Olavide in Seville, Spain, allowed me to experience daily life in another country while taking classes that directly connected to my International Business and Spanish majors. And honestly, I miss it every single day.
While in Spain, I took Global Marketing, International Management, Spanish Conversation, Spanish Culture & History through Film, and The Mediterranean Diet. Each class brought something different to the table, and together they strengthened my understanding of global business, culture, and communication in ways I could never get from a classroom back home.
In my Global Marketing class, we analyzed international brands and how they operate across different countries. We looked at companies like Amazon and broke down what it really takes for a business to succeed on a global scale. It opened my eyes to how complex international marketing is and how much strategy, adaptation, and cultural awareness go into expanding worldwide. It made global business feel real, not just theoretical.
My International Management class focused heavily on how culture influences business decisions, leadership styles, and negotiation. We discussed customs, communication styles, and expectations in different countries, which is so important when working internationally. One of my favorite parts was comparing global companies, like Disney, and seeing how their parks differ in the U.S., Paris, and Japan. It showed me how even the same brand must adapt depending on where it operates.
The Spanish Conversation class pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The entire class was taught in Spanish, which helped me improve my speaking skills and become more confident in real conversations. I learned everyday phrases, cultural references, and even Spanish traditions like bullfighting. Being fully immersed helped me realize how important language is when building relationships in business and daily life.
One of my favorite classes was Spanish Culture & History through Film. We watched movies from before and after Francisco Franco’s reign, which gave me a deeper understanding of Spain’s history and how it shaped modern culture. Learning history through film made it more engaging and meaningful, and it helped me connect what I was seeing around me in Spain to the feeling I got in class.
Lastly, my Mediterranean Diet class was such a unique experience. We learned about the diet, its nutritional benefits, and its cultural importance. The highlight was visiting an olive oil factory and seeing the entire production process firsthand. That field trip made the class feel real and showed how culture, food, and business all intersect.
Overall, studying abroad gave me a glimpse into what my future could look like living abroad, working internationally, and continuing my education overseas. I learned from professors who were born in different countries and had lived all over the world, which made everything feel even more inspiring and attainable. These experiences confirmed that my goal is to work for a company that allows me to live abroad, travel, and engage with different cultures, languages, and customs. Taking these classes abroad didn’t just strengthen my majors; it helped me understand what really interests me and what kind of future I want to build. And for that, I’m beyond grateful.
Thanks, Maria!