5 Reasons Why You Should Study Abroad in Seville, Spain
Post by Aleksis Melo, a college student who is studying abroad in Seville, Spain with Academic Programs International (API).
Madrid or Barcelona? Granada or Seville? 5 months ago, Seville didn't even come to mind when I was looking for the city that I would call my home for the next semester. While all of the above cities (let’s be honest, Spain in general) are incredibly stunning and full of culture, if you truly want to understand the Spanish culture then you need to stop searching right now… Seville is the right choice.
Yes, I am talking to YOU. You may be planning your fall (or spring) semester for the next year, and I know exactly how you feel at this current moment. Maybe you think that in order to really have the complete experience, the best choice would be living in Madrid or Barcelona. Or just maybe, you don’t feel ready enough for the big metropolitan city and prefer a smaller city with just the same amount of immersion in the Spanish culture such as in Granada?
How about a city in which you have a mix of modernity and tradition, big but small enough that you can fully immerse with in the Spanish and Andalusian culture? It may not have a beach, but the Guadalquivir River will make you fall in love. No wonder they say “Sevilla tiene un color especial”. Before I lose you with all this rambling, in no particular order let’s get straight to the point.
1. Stereotypical Spain
When I think of Spain, certain things come to mind: flamenco, bullfighting, architecture, history, tapas, fiestas… Stereotypes aren’t necessarily the best to describe a whole nation: however, all of the above do in one way or another describe Seville. That is the true beauty of this city. It has just the right amount of modernity in architecture, while still preserving the traditions of Andalusia. If you want to experience the traditional “Spain”, then Seville is the right place for you.
2. El Andalú
The main reason why most study abroad-ers choose Spain is to grasp the Spanish language by the end of the semester. While Pais Vasco (Basque country) has Euskera and Catalunya has the Catalan language, Andalusia has its own language, or as I like to call it, El Andalú.
When in Seville, by the end of your semester I bet that you won’t come back speaking Spanish, but rather the famous Andalú. Sarcasm aside, when else will you say you were able to speak Castilian Spanish while also fully understanding the accents of the Sevillanos? The Spanish that most Andalusian speak is not the clear Castilian you would hear in the center of the country, yet you will feel even more accomplished when you realize that you've aced both Spanish AND understanding the andaluz slang.
3. Climate
Seville is known to be one of the cities that is always sunny, and that is not an understatement. If you've experienced the harsh winters of New England, as I have, winter in Seville will be like spring back home. Nothing can beat wearing simply a sweater in the middle of February. And if you’re the lucky one studying in Seville in September, you should prepare for “summer” weather through November!
4. Life happens outside
One of the most interesting things about this city is that for most Sevillanos, life literally happens outside. Rain or shine, you best believe everyone will be going out for a paseo and sit down by the river. Due to such great climate, it makes sense why all sorts of socializing occurs outside. Why have a tinto de verano inside when you can enjoy that with a great view in the fresh air?
5. Because no other city can compare to Seville’s charm
As biased as it sounds, it’s the truth. Once you’ve experienced the true charm of Seville, you won’t want to ever leave. It’s in the little things, like walking by the Guadalquivir river, drinking Cruzcampo in front of the second largest Gothic cathedral of the world, exploring the narrow streets of Barrio de Santa Cruz, and looking down the view of Seville in Las Setas.
Seville doesn't just have a special “color” as the legend says, but rather it’s its charm that will get your heart for lifetime.
