Seville, first impressions as an exchange student

By Claire Crease

Back in high school, my family and I spent a month traveling across Spain, and I quickly fell in
love with the country. When it came time to choose a destination for my study abroad program,
Seville was a no-brainer. However, living here is a whole different experience compared to just
visiting.
I’ve been in Seville for almost three weeks now, and here’s what I’ve picked up so far. One of the
major adjustments I’ve had to make is the mealtimes. In Seville, people of all ages usually have
dinner around 9 pm. From personal experience and conversations with professors, I’ve learned
that going for tapas often turns into a night of hanging out and having a few drinks.
Adjusting to this new schedule has been a bit tiring, but I genuinely appreciate how sevillanos
make the most of their days. Here in Spain, it feels like people really value living in the moment.
While interning at La Terraza Cristina, I’ve had the chance to dive into some amazing
experiences. From trying different Sangrias to savoring Antonio’s homemade Paella, I’ve
discovered why food is so important; it’s not just a meal, it’s a way to connect with friends and
family.
Living here and adapting to the slower pace has been a bit of a surprise, but day by day, I’m
getting the hang of it and can’t wait to soak in more of Seville