Finding Home in Seville

It is crazy to believe how a place so far from home can feel like home so quickly. When I first arrived in Seville, I didn’t expect to settle in and feel so comfortable so fast. Coming from Chicago, everything felt new and exciting: The language, the food, and the rhythm of daily life. I began to feel connected through all of the people I was meeting through my program, my host mom, and even the friendly Sevillanos. The more I embraced the rhythm of daily life—slow mornings, late dinners, and everything in between—the more Sevilla began to feel like home. I’ve begun to see that what makes Seville so special isn’t just the beauty of the city, but the warmth of its people and traditions.

My every day in Seville looks a little different, but there’s a comfort in its routine that I’ve come to love. My mornings usually start off with a cup of coffee before walking over to the beautiful building of ICS. After class, afternoons are often spent studying at a cafe, exploring more of the city, or sharing tapas with friends (with a siesta of course). Even the smallest parts of my day such as saying hi to my neighbors, seeing the sunset and hearing the liveliness of the city at night, remind me of how full of life this city is. Every person I’ve met in Seville has brought something special into my experience, turning my little Spanish mistakes into shared smiles and lessons. I’ve completely fallen in love with the culture here, the language, the people, and the energy throughout the city. One night, I went with some classmates to watch a live Flamenco performance where the dancers told stories through their movements, capturing the heart of Spain in every step. It was mesmerizing and emotional, a moment I’ll never forget. I feel grateful for the adventures and friendships that continue to shape my time here. Even though my stay is temporary, I know Seville will always be a part of me, a place I’ll carry in my heart forever and call home.