Study Abroad: Why Sevilla?

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

When I started researching study abroad programs, I had a couple of non-negotiables: I wanted to immerse myself in the Spanish language, and be somewhere rich in culture, but not overrun by tourists. I didn’t know exactly where that would lead me at first, but looking at the programs that my school offered through ASA, I knew immediately that Sevilla was where I wanted to go.

I chose Sevilla for its reputation as a city with deep Spanish roots, stunning architecture, a relaxed lifestyle, and a welcoming energy. I’d heard it was one of the best places to truly experience the culture, not just visit it or act as a tourist. Unlike larger cities in Spain, where
English is more common, Sevilla felt like a place where I could practice Spanish every day and experience the language in a natural, meaningful way.

Another big reason I chose Sevilla was the homestay option. I was very apprehensive at the idea of a homestay at first, and I knew it would push me outside my comfort zone, but I also felt it would make the experience much more rewarding...and it did! My host “mom” welcomed me like family from day one. I shared two meals a day with her and her granddaughter who was a couple of years younger than me, and also with her extended family at times. If I were living in a dorm or apartment, it would have been very simple to get away with using English primarily. In the homestay, only Spanish would be spoken, and with my host’s guidance and patience, I grew more conversational very quickly.

Every corner of the city felt alive with history and tradition. I was living about a 10-minute walk from the actual city, so I was able to experience life in the city as well as in the neighborhood of Los Remedios. I would walk to the city center almost daily, passing by large “tourist attractions” such as la Catedral de Sevilla, Plaza de España, and las Setas. On weekends when I wasn’t traveling to another location, my friends and I made sure to officially visit all the museums and sights, to ensure we were getting the most out of the rich history there is to learn about in Sevilla.

The lifestyle was much different than what I was used to, but in the best ways! Daily life is much slower-paced than back in the US. I learned to pause, take things in, and appreciate the moment instead of constantly rushing. For example, when going out to a restaurant, it is very normal to stay there for multiple hours, and the servers don’t come to check on you throughout the meal; you must wave them over. Speaking of meals, one of the most obvious differences was that lunch is typically the biggest/most important meal of the day, eaten around 2 or 3pm, and dinner not until at least 9pm, sometimes past 10pm. I honestly miss this type of eating schedule!

Sevilla’s location also made it easy to explore other parts of Spain and beyond. I visited Granada, Barcelona, Madrid (just to name a few), and took trips to other countries like Ireland, Portugal, and Morocco. Whenever people ask me what my favorite place I visited was, my answer is always that Sevilla remained my all-time favorite.

ASA also played a huge role in making my experience what it was. From helping with
the visa process to organizing cultural excursions and checking in with students regularly, ASA made the whole journey feel less intimidating. Their support allowed me to fully enjoy
everything Sevilla had to offer.

If I could do it all over again, I’d still choose Sevilla without hesitation. My entire experience gave me more than I expected. Not only was I living in a foreign country where I wasn’t completely fluent in the language, but I also gained more independence and confidence in myself. I have never been the type to enjoy doing things on my own, but in Sevilla, I found myself going to restaurants, walking around the city center, or spending an afternoon in the park alone. Overall, Sevilla gave me new friends for life, an incredible cultural experience, and memories that I will never forget.

Thanks, Nicole!