Why I Left My Small Town in Alaska to Attend High School in Seville 

This post was written by CIEE Global Navigator alum Makena D. from Alaska who participated in the Global Navigator Marketing Internship in spring of 2025. 

Living in a new city, speaking a new language, and being away from everything I’ve ever known was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.  

Studying abroad taught me so much about myself and the world. Even though I was scared to speak Spanish, ride the train, and attend school, I was learning and growing every day.  

My host family and friends embraced me, showing me their city and culture. It was a unique experience, and I’m grateful I took the risk to leave my hometown and explore the world.  

High school study abroad programs give you one-in-a-lifetime experiences that are so valuable for teenagers. I’ll share with you a bit of how I got to Seville and what my high school abroad in Spain experience meant for me. 

The Beginning 

It all began in my small school in Alaska, where there were only 100 students, and none had studied abroad before.  

While sitting in Spanish class, looking out at the snow, and contemplating how to improve my language skills, I decided to move overseas.  

I began researching how to study abroad in high school and came across CIEE's semester abroad in Spain. I never imagined it would become my reality, but less than a year later, I was packing my bags as I headed to Seville, Spain, my new home.  

If you want to learn more about the experience of improving your language skills in another country, read this CIEE blog on the 10 Top Tips for Learning a Language While Studying Abroad. 

Going Abroad 

In Spain, I was welcomed by my amazing host family and CIEE's very supportive staff.  

My new friends showed me how to take the bus into the city, and as I became more comfortable navigating the public transportation system, I started to explore every opportunity I had. Walking became my favorite activity; I wanted to see as much of Seville as possible during the few months I was there.  

My host family also took me on trips to other cities in Spain. I was amazed by the differences among the cities in Spain. I grew to love and appreciate many different parts of the country, and that's an experience I definitely wouldn’t have had if I hadn't studied abroad.  

What It’s Meant for Me 

Over those five months, I explored many new places, improved my Spanish, and grew significantly as a person.  

I now feel more confident, independent, and knowledgeable.  

I believe I am capable of achieving great things, even when faced with challenges. While there were some difficulties, the positive experiences far outweighed them, and the challenges helped me grow immensely.  

I am forever grateful for the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in high school; it’s an experience I will never forget.