Study Abroad: Finding the Country That Fits You

Words and photos by Maria Brizon who studied abroad with ASA in Seville, Spain during spring semester 2025.

I’ve known since middle school that I was going to study abroad in college. I’ve been taking Spanish classes since second grade, and I just kept going with it year after year. Eventually, I decided to make Spanish one of my majors, along with international business, because I genuinely loved the language and wanted to get better at it. So, when it came time to pick a study abroad destination, Spain felt like the obvious choice. It matched both my academic goals and personal interests. And as an international business major at my college, it's a requirement to study abroad, so it all lined up perfectly.

At first, I had my heart set on Barcelon I pictured the beaches, the vibrant culture, the fun atmosphere, it just seemed like the place to be. But as I got deeper into the application process, something didn’t feel right. I started to worry about the high number of tourists and the fact that Catalan is spoken there, which could make improving my Spanish a little harder. That’s when I remembered that one of my best friends had studied in Sevilla the year before. She told me about her amazing adventures, and everything she shared stuck with me.

Out of curiosity, I looked into studying in Sevilla through my college. I did a little research, and everything started to click. The culture, the warm weather, the friendly people, the fact that they speak Spanish (not Catalan), Semana Santa, Feria, and the courses offered...it all felt like the right fit. It just made sense.

So, here’s my advice: if you’re unsure about where to study abroad, trust your gut, do your research, ask people who have already gone, and be open to change. I used to think it was “Barcelona or nothing,” but things don’t always go the way you plan, and honestly, I’m glad they didn’t. Looking back, Sevilla turned out to be the perfect place for me.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION

• Think about what you really want. Whether it’s getting better at a language, diving into your major, or just seeing new places, knowing your main goal helps you narrow things down.
• Look into the day-to-day life there. Not just tourist stuff, but what do people eat, how do they live, what is the culture like? Ask yourself the question: Can I see myself here for four months?
• Ask people who’ve already gone. Ask friends, classmates, or alumni. See what they liked and disliked about the place they chose.
• Make a pros and cons list. This could help narrow down what you are seeking in your host country.
• Make sure the classes work for you. Check that they fit your major and won’t mess with your graduation plans.
• Go with your gut. If something feels off (or just feels right), pay attention to that feeling; it’s probably right.

Overall, figuring out where to study abroad doesn’t always go the way you expect, and that’s totally okay. What’s most important is finding a place that helps you grow, supports your goals, and just feels right deep down. I’m glad I stayed open-minded and trusted my gut, because Sevilla turned out to be more than I ever imagined. No matter where you end up, make the most of it and let the experience shape you in the best way possible.