Study Abroad

Sevilla, Spain

In January of 2025, I embarked on a journey that would expand my perspective, challenge me, and help me grow. The days leading up to my study abroad journey were stressful, with me receiving my visa just days before going abroad. Soon, I was waving goodbye to my family in the airport and off to live, study, and work abroad for 4 months. I was nervous but excited to jump into the unknown and live in a new country with new friends. When I arrived in Sevilla, Spain, I knew I had made the right decision. None of the anticipation could have prepared me for how relieved and excited I would feel when I boarded the bus and saw the vibrant streets of Sevilla on the way to my student apartment.

Before studying in Sevilla, I participated in the Clemson Language Immersion Program (CLIP) in Salamanca during the summer of 2024. Living with a host family and traveling throughout northern Spain introduced me to many aspects of Spanish culture, such as later meal times, a relaxed pace of life, siestas, and flexible attitudes toward time. This experience gave me a helpful foundation before beginning my semester abroad.

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However, I quickly realized that I had even more to learn. Sevilla, situated in the southern region of Andalucía, exhibits a more relaxed and social culture than that of northern Spain. Sevilla was beautiful, warm, and full of colorful orange trees, reflecting the sunny nature of the city. The slower, friendly culture of Sevilla was exactly what I needed to recharge and stay energized for the rest of my days. I also adapted to cultural differences in working abroad. My supervisor was very flexible with my hours and straightforward about the tasks I was assigned. The work culture was especially interesting at the small non-profit organization I interned at; I was surprised to hear my supervisor say that he usually comes in about 15 minutes after the “start” time. I found myself less stressed and more motivated in this type of work environment.

The classes I took during my time in Sevilla gave me a new perspective on education. I took Spanish for Health Professionals and Spanish Contemporary Literature, both of which included walking tours, class discussions, and interactive assignments around the city. During one literature class, our professor led us to a nearby statue of a poet as we discussed his work. The city was full of monuments commemorating authors such as Antonio Machado and Fernando de Herrera, along with historic sites and ruins throughout the city. Rather than relying solely on exams, we discussed readings within the context of the historical places. Walking through the same streets where authors once lived made the material feel more tangible and meaningful.

One of the most impactful experiences was learning how to navigate daily life in Sevilla. Since I’ve worked as a Residential Assistant in college, this was my first time cooking for myself, living in an apartment, and navigating transportation in a new city. Communicating in academic environments, professional settings, and everyday interactions was new and challenging, especially with my supervisor, as people in Andalucía speak quickly and with an unfamiliar accent. I learned how to advocate for myself in the Spanish health system too, as I got sick many times at the beginning of my study abroad experience. I overcame these obstacles by being honest and culturally aware, asking my supervisor to speak a bit slower, and studying key phrases. I also didn’t let this hold me back from engaging within my community; I did my best to communicate even when I had setbacks, building my confidence and skills.

My study abroad experience will continue to influence my future by giving me new perspectives and knowledge that I will carry with me forever. Through my coursework and internship, I developed a deeper understanding of how Spanish language, culture, and health systems interact. This reinforced my passion for public health, especially in global contexts. I saw firsthand how culture influences access to health through multiple contexts: within my internship at a diabetes clinic and through my own experience as a non-native Spanish speaking patient in Spain. Through living in Sevilla and traveling to surrounding countries, I strengthened my cultural adaptability and cross-cultural communication, allowing me to act and communicate with culturally-aware language and skills. My experience also required resilience and independence as I had to problem solve and step outside of my comfort zone.

Studying abroad in Sevilla was the most meaningful experience I’ve had during my time as a student. I learned about myself and the world around me and developed empathy, awareness, flexibility, and fortitude throughout each experience abroad. As I move into the professional world of public health, I will bring with me not only my own experience, but the experiences of those around me. I will never forget my determined supervisor who envisioned a better future for diabetics in Spain, my empathetic Spanish teacher who passionately showed us the culture of Sevilla, or the local baker who allowed me to practice my Spanish in a low-stakes context. These people and experiences shaped me into a more culturally-competent person professionally and personally. I look forward to all of the new experiences that my life and profession will bring.