Saying Goodbye to Sevilla: 5 Things I’ll Never Forget About My Semester Abroad

Kayleigh Fladung is a student at University of Dayton and an ISA Featured Blogger. Kayleigh is currently studying abroad with ISA in Sevilla, Spain.

Plaza de Santa Isabel is down the street from my apartment. There are usually people eating lunch, playing music or catching up with friends under the gorgeous orange trees.

“I am not the same having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” — Mary Anne Radmacher Hershey

With my days left in Sevilla hitting single digits I can’t help but think back to the very beginning of this journey and how it has changed me. All of the planning, decision-making and nerves about studying abroad quickly turned into the trip of a lifetime once I stepped off the plane in Madrid three months ago. Spain is a beautiful country, and Sevilla is rich in history, culture and tradition. I’ve seen my fair share of Spanish cities over the past few months, and while each has something special to offer, I always find myself thankful for choosing Sevilla. I could list one hundred things that make Sevilla uniquely wonderful, but here are five of the things I’ll always remember about my time here.

It’s Time to Hang My Hat and Leave Granada

I have tried to write this blog post about 12 different times, and I still do not know how to express how I feel about leaving. I’ll admit, although I am bursting with excitement to see my friends and family, the idea of leaving Granada is a bit scary.

3 Ways to Make Your Study Abroad Experience Unique and Amazing

Michelle Alderink is a student at Grand Valley State University  and an ISA Featured Blogger. Michelle is currently studying abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain.

La Alhambra

As my time in Granada is coming to an end, I’m realizing this is this the hardest blog post yet. I could never put into words the amazing experiences, great memories with new friends and even character-changing challenges I’ve experienced here. All I can say is that following my instincts to study in Granada was simply the best and most important decision I’ve ever made. That being said, I’d like to leave you with 3 pieces of advice to ensure that you have an amazing study abroad experience during which you’re just as amazed and challenged as I have been.

The Challenge and Intrigue of Language in Valencia

Alaysha Cassell is a student at Washington State University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Alaysha is currently studying abroad with ISA in Valencia, Spain.

Las Fallas

Living in Valencia these past two months has not poised challenges that have been too difficult; however, I believe that when anyone leaves home for an extended period of time there is always something that that person will need to overcome, whether it be making new friends, getting used to a different atmosphere or in my case the communication barrier. Among getting used to a new class schedule and living with a new family that is not my own, I would say communicating in Spanish has been the most challenging aspect of studying abroad.

Why Not Learn a Second Language?: Communicating Outside of Sevilla

Courtney Fraley is a student at Baldwin Wallace University and is an ISA Classmates Connecting Cultures  blogger corresponding with a her study abroad office at Baldwin Wallace. Courtney is studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain on an ISA Spring 1 program.

It was all Greek to me in Athens, but what a beautiful city it was from the top of Acropolis!

Picture this, every state in the U.S. speaks a different language. Some languages are very similar and others are so different from yours it makes your head spin. If you are lucky enough, someone knows at least a little of your language and can help point you in the right direction. In actuality, this is Europe. Traveling from country to country in Europe, I have run into many language and communication barriers as the majority of the countries speak different languages. Some times it can be frustrating and irritating, but, at the same time, an incredible learning experience.

Slowing Down in Málaga

Emily Kuhn is a student at University of Massachusetts, Amherst and an ISA Featured Blogger. Emily is currently studying abroad with ISA in Málaga, Spain.

Dogs also enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Málaga

I have been in Spain for approximately a month and a week but it feels like I have been here for longer. I enjoy living in Málaga; I live close to the beach, right by one of the main streets and love my host señora. What was jarring to me, and what kept me from fully embracing Spanish life, was the pace at which the Spanish people move.

Adapting to the Siesta in Bilbao

Nicholas Mathis is a student at Virginia Military Institute and an ISA Featured Blogger. Nicholas is currently studying abroad with ISA in Bilbao, Spain.

I like to think of myself as a pretty easy-going guy.  I don’t get easily upset, and I like to go with the flow. But here I am, staring at the sign hanging in front of the sports office in my university that tells me the working hours. “Closed from 1:00 to 4:00,” I said slowly, not believing what I was seeing. “Who closes in the middle of the day!?”

An American in Valencia, Spain

Kathleen Rhine is a student at Point Loma Nazarene University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Kathleen is currently studying abroad with ISA in Valencia, Spain.

Good food and good conversation. These two things are simply some of my favorite things about Valencia. There is a place just down the tree-lined street from my apartment that has weekly intercambios, or language exchanges. Once I overcame my shyness with speaking, I came to the intercambio to speak with Spaniards, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.

Semana Santa: Getting the Local Perspective in Granada

Michelle Alderink is a student at Grand Valley State University  and an ISA Featured Blogger. Michelle is currently studying abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain.

While studying abroad in Granada, Spain this semester I have taken advantage of learning about the culture as well as the history of my wonderful city. One of the best ways in which I have taken part in the culture of Granada, is by creating relationships with locals and getting to know the best sites in Granada through them.

My Biggest Challenge So Far In Granada!

Katie Martorano is a student at Rowan University and an ISA Featured Blogger. Katie is currently studying abroad with ISA in Granada, Spain.

Me and my handy-dandy roll of toilet paper. It was easier to carry around than a tissue box!

Being sick in a different country is not fun. Granted, being sick in general is not fun. But when I was sick in Spain, it was really a challenge. Not because I was deathly ill or had to go to the hospital or anything, but because my mom wasn’t around. I was self-diagnosed with a nasty case of homesickness (and a cold).