Week 1
It has already been a week since I arrived in Seville, and so far it has been incredible! Since my arrival I have participated in many new cultural experiences and I have even started my classes! In this first post I will share my arrival in Seville, the first few days, my classes at the International College of Seville, and a reflection on my first week in Spain.
Arrival
I flew out of the O'hare airport on May 28th to arrive in Seville on the 29th. It was a lot of travel, but I was so excited for the month ahead of me that it all went by fast. I had never flown on my own before and while I was a little nervous at first, the whole experience helped me gain a lot more independence and showed me that airports aren't as confusing at they seem. Once I landed in Seville, a representative from the International College of Seville (ICS) met me and a few other students at the airport. She was so welcoming, and she helped us catch a taxi to our home-stay and made sure we all were headed in the right direction. All of the students would be living in homes with families in Porvenir, which is a residential neighborhood in Seville. I arrived at my home-stay in the afternoon. It was a nice, upscale apartment building right next to an elementary school. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how clean it was. The apartment was very modern and updated! Here I met my housemother, Julia and my roommate. Julia was in her fifties and was a single mother. She had two older children, but they did not live with her anymore. She had lived in Seville for her whole life, and spoke only Spanish. At first it was difficult to communicate with her because of the language barrier. However, Julia was very patient and understanding of my speaking ability. I had not taken Spanish classes for two years, and I was a little out of practice. Although at first it was difficult at times and sometimes uncomfortable, living in a home-stay and being forced to speak the language helped me pick it back up fairly quickly. While there has definitely been moments of difficulty and challenges, my home-stay has been a great way to improve my conversational Spanish. Overall, the first week living in my new home was a smooth adjustment. I am already improving my Spanish as well as my confidence, and Julia has done a great job helping us adapt to our new life here in Spain!
I flew out of the O'hare airport on May 28th to arrive in Seville on the 29th. It was a lot of travel, but I was so excited for the month ahead of me that it all went by fast. I had never flown on my own before and while I was a little nervous at first, the whole experience helped me gain a lot more independence and showed me that airports aren't as confusing at they seem. Once I landed in Seville, a representative from the International College of Seville (ICS) met me and a few other students at the airport. She was so welcoming, and she helped us catch a taxi to our home-stay and made sure we all were headed in the right direction. All of the students would be living in homes with families in Porvenir, which is a residential neighborhood in Seville. I arrived at my home-stay in the afternoon. It was a nice, upscale apartment building right next to an elementary school. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was how clean it was. The apartment was very modern and updated! Here I met my housemother, Julia and my roommate. Julia was in her fifties and was a single mother. She had two older children, but they did not live with her anymore. She had lived in Seville for her whole life, and spoke only Spanish. At first it was difficult to communicate with her because of the language barrier. However, Julia was very patient and understanding of my speaking ability. I had not taken Spanish classes for two years, and I was a little out of practice. Although at first it was difficult at times and sometimes uncomfortable, living in a home-stay and being forced to speak the language helped me pick it back up fairly quickly. While there has definitely been moments of difficulty and challenges, my home-stay has been a great way to improve my conversational Spanish. Overall, the first week living in my new home was a smooth adjustment. I am already improving my Spanish as well as my confidence, and Julia has done a great job helping us adapt to our new life here in Spain!
Photos from my home stay! Here is the apartment and a lunch we had. Garbanzo beans and sofrito!
First Few Days
The day after my arrival all the students had an orientation at the ICS. At the orientation we met the other students in the program and learned more about what was in store for the next month. In my program there were about fifty students from the United States; many from the Midwest, New York, California, and even Hawaii! The staff at the ICS were so welcoming and accommodating, and they had planned many welcome week activities for the students. Almost every day we had something planned! The first night all the students went out for tapas and drinks at a local restaurant, and the day after that we had walking tours through some of the different neighborhoods in Seville. We also went to a flamenco show at the Museo de Baile Flamenco, had churros y chocolate in the city center, and even went on a beach trip to Portugal! All of these activities were so much fun, and they helped me become more accustomed to the city and helped me to meet many friends before classes even started! They were also a great first taste of Seville's culture and of all the things we would learn within the next month. I am so grateful for the staff at the ICS. They went above and beyond planning events for students, and I feel excited and prepared to begin my classes on Monday!
The day after my arrival all the students had an orientation at the ICS. At the orientation we met the other students in the program and learned more about what was in store for the next month. In my program there were about fifty students from the United States; many from the Midwest, New York, California, and even Hawaii! The staff at the ICS were so welcoming and accommodating, and they had planned many welcome week activities for the students. Almost every day we had something planned! The first night all the students went out for tapas and drinks at a local restaurant, and the day after that we had walking tours through some of the different neighborhoods in Seville. We also went to a flamenco show at the Museo de Baile Flamenco, had churros y chocolate in the city center, and even went on a beach trip to Portugal! All of these activities were so much fun, and they helped me become more accustomed to the city and helped me to meet many friends before classes even started! They were also a great first taste of Seville's culture and of all the things we would learn within the next month. I am so grateful for the staff at the ICS. They went above and beyond planning events for students, and I feel excited and prepared to begin my classes on Monday!
Photos from some of the welcome week activities! New places, new friends, and new food!
Classes at the ICS
On Monday our classes started at the ICS. All students in the summer semester are enrolled in two classes. I was enrolled in Intermediate Spanish I and Culture and Society of Spain. Each class is two hours long, and there is a thirty minute break in between each class. My first class, Intermediate Spanish I, was held from 9am-11am. The class size was very small compared to the U.S. and consisted of about fifteen students. This provided a closer setting where I could get to know other students and ask questions. The professor was from Seville, and she taught the class only in Spanish. While challenging at first, I really enjoyed this aspect of the class because it helped to further immerse myself in the language. Additionally, my professor encourages and helps students practice conversing in Spanish, which is something I feel I never learned how to do in previous Spanish classes. After only one week I feel that I have already learned much more here than I did in a semester of high school. I truly think that immersion is the best way to learn a language, and the constant conversation and speaking exercises here are helping tremendously. Already I am learning a lot and my Spanish is improving!
My second class of the day was Culture and Society of Spain, which was held from 11:30am-1:30pm. This class was taught in English by an American professor who moved to Seville. This class was focused on the history, culture, and modern day issues in Spain. It was based less on memorizing facts and more on making the most out of our experience in Seville. Our professor, Judy, was very passionate about Spain and wanted to share her experiences with us. This helped relate the class material to real life, and every day there was something new and interesting to learn about. In the first week we had an overview of Seville's culture and history, learned about historic figures in Seville, bullfighting, and the Jewish and Islamic influence on Spain's culture. We even had a field trip! I am already enjoying this class. Culture is such an important part of traveling and learning a new language, and this class has already taught me so much and opened my eyes to a new way of life.
In addition to my credit classes, the ICS plans small cultural classes for students to participate in. This week I took a flamenco class! It was held in the afternoon and my culture professor Judy ran it! It was two days a week and we learned how to dance the Sevillanas, a popular dance in Seville. Almost everyone in Seville knows how to dance it and it is very popular during the April Fair. The class was about an hour and a half long, and Judy taught us the history of the dance and then how to dance it. It was a very fun activity in the week and I really enjoyed it! I love that the ICS helps students learn about Spanish culture in interactive, experiential ways like this!
On Monday our classes started at the ICS. All students in the summer semester are enrolled in two classes. I was enrolled in Intermediate Spanish I and Culture and Society of Spain. Each class is two hours long, and there is a thirty minute break in between each class. My first class, Intermediate Spanish I, was held from 9am-11am. The class size was very small compared to the U.S. and consisted of about fifteen students. This provided a closer setting where I could get to know other students and ask questions. The professor was from Seville, and she taught the class only in Spanish. While challenging at first, I really enjoyed this aspect of the class because it helped to further immerse myself in the language. Additionally, my professor encourages and helps students practice conversing in Spanish, which is something I feel I never learned how to do in previous Spanish classes. After only one week I feel that I have already learned much more here than I did in a semester of high school. I truly think that immersion is the best way to learn a language, and the constant conversation and speaking exercises here are helping tremendously. Already I am learning a lot and my Spanish is improving!
My second class of the day was Culture and Society of Spain, which was held from 11:30am-1:30pm. This class was taught in English by an American professor who moved to Seville. This class was focused on the history, culture, and modern day issues in Spain. It was based less on memorizing facts and more on making the most out of our experience in Seville. Our professor, Judy, was very passionate about Spain and wanted to share her experiences with us. This helped relate the class material to real life, and every day there was something new and interesting to learn about. In the first week we had an overview of Seville's culture and history, learned about historic figures in Seville, bullfighting, and the Jewish and Islamic influence on Spain's culture. We even had a field trip! I am already enjoying this class. Culture is such an important part of traveling and learning a new language, and this class has already taught me so much and opened my eyes to a new way of life.
In addition to my credit classes, the ICS plans small cultural classes for students to participate in. This week I took a flamenco class! It was held in the afternoon and my culture professor Judy ran it! It was two days a week and we learned how to dance the Sevillanas, a popular dance in Seville. Almost everyone in Seville knows how to dance it and it is very popular during the April Fair. The class was about an hour and a half long, and Judy taught us the history of the dance and then how to dance it. It was a very fun activity in the week and I really enjoyed it! I love that the ICS helps students learn about Spanish culture in interactive, experiential ways like this!
Photos of the ICS. Here is the outside of the college, my classroom, and the student lounge. Also, a photo from my flamenco class!
Field Trips and Cultural Visits
Every week the ICS has several planned field trips and cultural sites for students to visit. These field trips are always very fun and educational! They are a great way to dive into the culture of Spain and learn through experience. This week we visited the Real Alcázar in Seville and the city of Córdoba on Saturday. The Alcázar is a palace built by the Moors during the Muslim reign in Spain. It was built in the 8th century, and has evolved over time to become a Christian fortress. It is a very historical palace, and was designed and restored by the Muslims, the Jews, and later the Christians. The palace was absolutely incredible and had so much intricate design and detail. The Alcázar was such a great example of convivencia, a term we learned in my culture class. Convivencia is a Spanish word for living in harmony. When the palace was built the Arabs, Jews and Christians all came together to build something beautiful. There was a time of peace between these groups where they lived in harmony and in friendship. The Alcázar is a great reminder of this convivencia, and I only wish people could learn of it's peaceful past and from the harmony from which it was created.
We also visited the city of Córdoba on Saturday to see the Great Mosque and explore the city. The Great Mosque was similar to the Alcázar regarding how it was built. It began as a Muslim mosque during the time of the Muslim rule in the 7th century and was restored and later built up with the help of the Jews. Later after the reconquest the Christians turned the mosque into a grand cathedral. Visiting the Great Mosque and learning more about it's fascinating history was another great example of convivencia. It's amazing what people can do when they come together in harmony. It was cool to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one weekend!
Every week the ICS has several planned field trips and cultural sites for students to visit. These field trips are always very fun and educational! They are a great way to dive into the culture of Spain and learn through experience. This week we visited the Real Alcázar in Seville and the city of Córdoba on Saturday. The Alcázar is a palace built by the Moors during the Muslim reign in Spain. It was built in the 8th century, and has evolved over time to become a Christian fortress. It is a very historical palace, and was designed and restored by the Muslims, the Jews, and later the Christians. The palace was absolutely incredible and had so much intricate design and detail. The Alcázar was such a great example of convivencia, a term we learned in my culture class. Convivencia is a Spanish word for living in harmony. When the palace was built the Arabs, Jews and Christians all came together to build something beautiful. There was a time of peace between these groups where they lived in harmony and in friendship. The Alcázar is a great reminder of this convivencia, and I only wish people could learn of it's peaceful past and from the harmony from which it was created.
We also visited the city of Córdoba on Saturday to see the Great Mosque and explore the city. The Great Mosque was similar to the Alcázar regarding how it was built. It began as a Muslim mosque during the time of the Muslim rule in the 7th century and was restored and later built up with the help of the Jews. Later after the reconquest the Christians turned the mosque into a grand cathedral. Visiting the Great Mosque and learning more about it's fascinating history was another great example of convivencia. It's amazing what people can do when they come together in harmony. It was cool to visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one weekend!
Photos from the Real Alcázar in Seville and The Great Mosque in Córdoba!
Week 1 Reflection
Overall, my first week in Seville has been wonderful! I have learned so much both in class and outside of class. My home-stay has helped me improve my Spanish and also learn new expressions and words people use in Spain. While still the same Spanish language, the Spanish spoken in Spain is very culturally different to other Spanish speaking countries which is taking some time to get used to!
In addition to the language, the Spanish lifestyle is taking some time some getting used to as well. The daily schedule and mealtimes are much different than mine back home in the United States. In the morning we wake up and eat a small breakfast of toast and café con leche. After that we don't eat lunch until around two in the afternoon, and it is usually a very large meal. Then we take a siesta, which is a nap or time to relax until the weather cools off. Then we eat dinner which is usually around ten at night, and by then I usually go to bed around midnight! This schedule is definitely different but I am enjoying the opportunity to live like a local and to experience these cultural aspects that I wouldn't get had I not lived in a home-stay.
Another thing I have noticed here that is different than the United States is that people here are generally very friendly. Back home people are nice, but in Seville the locals want to talk to foreigners. Many locals know some English, especially the younger generations and they want to practice their English with us. Many of the Spanish students I meet are constantly apologizing for their broken English, when it is actually very fluent! While my Spanish is improving, it is nowhere near as fluent as their English is. Although my Spanish may not be the best, they are always very willing to help us practice and are very patient. This is also somewhat different to the states, as I feel like Americans in general can sometimes be harsh on foreigners and immigrants if they don't understand English right away. This experience has opened my eyes to the ways Americans perceive foreigners, and has inspired me to be more patient and empathetic to other people's needs.
Overall, my first week in Seville has been wonderful! I have learned so much both in class and outside of class. My home-stay has helped me improve my Spanish and also learn new expressions and words people use in Spain. While still the same Spanish language, the Spanish spoken in Spain is very culturally different to other Spanish speaking countries which is taking some time to get used to!
In addition to the language, the Spanish lifestyle is taking some time some getting used to as well. The daily schedule and mealtimes are much different than mine back home in the United States. In the morning we wake up and eat a small breakfast of toast and café con leche. After that we don't eat lunch until around two in the afternoon, and it is usually a very large meal. Then we take a siesta, which is a nap or time to relax until the weather cools off. Then we eat dinner which is usually around ten at night, and by then I usually go to bed around midnight! This schedule is definitely different but I am enjoying the opportunity to live like a local and to experience these cultural aspects that I wouldn't get had I not lived in a home-stay.
Another thing I have noticed here that is different than the United States is that people here are generally very friendly. Back home people are nice, but in Seville the locals want to talk to foreigners. Many locals know some English, especially the younger generations and they want to practice their English with us. Many of the Spanish students I meet are constantly apologizing for their broken English, when it is actually very fluent! While my Spanish is improving, it is nowhere near as fluent as their English is. Although my Spanish may not be the best, they are always very willing to help us practice and are very patient. This is also somewhat different to the states, as I feel like Americans in general can sometimes be harsh on foreigners and immigrants if they don't understand English right away. This experience has opened my eyes to the ways Americans perceive foreigners, and has inspired me to be more patient and empathetic to other people's needs.