Highlights of Our Time in Seville

The following blog was written by a student intern on a Summer 2026 CIEE high school summer abroad program. Read on for a first-hand account of what it's like on program in Seville.

As this wonderful session comes to a close we wanted to recall some of our favorite moments throughout these four weeks. Our students have taken this opportunity to open up and really explore another culture and country. For some, it’s their first time leaving their homes, for others it’s another country visited, but for all of them, it was a learning experience where they all came together to enjoy this wonderful city. I went around and asked our students some of their highlights from these last four weeks and here were some of their answers. 

1. Trip to Granada

Our students really enjoyed our overnight trip to Granada. We got to experience another city in Andalusia and enjoy bonding time while learning about the history of the amazing city of Granada. The students loved this trip as it was a way for them to learn more about Spain and explore more cities that it has to offer. We had tours, we had free time, we ate great food and got to enjoy the pool! 

2. Independence, trying new things and making new friends 

One of the most common responses was that students enjoyed their independence, trying new things and making friends. One of the most difficult parts of this experience is that our students are on their own in a new country. Taking on this kind of independence is a great skill that all of them will carry with them moving forward. Students also said that they really liked trying new foods and branching out of their comfort zone. It is very important for students to live in this experience and really engage in all of the cultural aspects. And finally they enjoyed making new friends. As all of these students are in this experience together, they bonded and made friends with each other quickly to better enjoy the experience together. 

3. All of the cultural activities 

We fill these four weeks with different cultural activities every day. These are a way for our students to go out and experience an aspect of Spanish culture in real time and in real life. Whether it was ceramic painting, basket weaving, cooking class or kayaking, our students felt that these activities pushed them to explore their creative side while enjoying learning a new skill, culture or custom. 

4. Host families 

Host families are a huge part of this experience for the students. Living with a family allows them to get the firsthand experience of another culture. A lot of the students said that their house family was one of their favorite parts of the whole experience and that the family helped them improve their language skills. These connections will last a lifetime for most of these students and we are so happy they got to experience these great relationships.  

5. Using Spanish 

Whether it was in the classroom, at home or with locals on the street, our students learned and put to use so much Spanish over the past four weeks. Being surrounded by the language constantly helps students really stay in the mindset to use and improve their Spanish which is a great thing that students will take back with them and continue their learning. 

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