After coming back home from my study abroad trip to Sevilla, Spain, I have had time to reflect on the experience and everything I’ve taken from it. The most important thing has been the connections I have gained through the entirety of this trip. From my roommates who became my friends, to students from different states in the US, my teachers, as well as my host mom, they have each contributed to my exhilarating experience. Having roommates was one of the best decisions I made, because it gave me people I can rely on and explore different places with. I never felt alone or lonely or even homesick for most of the trip, only a few times. Sometimes, it can be scary to put yourself out there in such an unfamiliar environment; having my roommates with me eased that and I was able to be more confident in my first few weeks there. There were many learning moments during the trip that we faced together and made our bond even tighter.
One thing about Spain is the richness in culture, which I love so much. As I reflect on the impact spanish culture has had on me, I’m very grateful to have been a part of it. The people I met there are very proud of their culture and they preserve it alongside their history. Sevilla is in the south of Spain and there is a lot of historical significance about the town. It was a huge trading port for the world in the 16th century and holds a lot of jewish, arabic, and christian influences. This is seen in the designs, artworks, buildings, and museums all around sevilla. In the present day, I loved seeing markets of all kinds: some specifically sold traditional spanish food, others sold clothes with very beautiful and elegant designs, and others sold real jewelry. A lot of buildings also had different colors, instead of a monotonous vibe, which contributed to the vibrance of the city. Most spanish-style homes had arabic and jewish designed tiles which made them so beautiful. Spain has the most beautiful homes I have ever seen and I had the privilege of living in one. This is just a fraction of my experience, but it is an experience I’ll never forget.
I have grown as an individual because of this experience. It has taught me that with the many thousands of cultures around the world, there is something unique about each culture that shapes the lives of so many. Exploring a culture helps you understand its people. I have learned about the importance of educating yourself, being open to learn, being confident, and taking risks.