International College of Seville

Student Stories · 2 min

The Closing Chapter of Sevilla & Me

Torre del Oro at sunset, Seville
Kandra (Star) Williams

Published

Jul 2, 2025

Author

Kandra (Star) Williams, Broward College

Being in Spain gave me the push I needed to speak Spanish to native speakers without being afraid of making mistakes. That was my biggest goal.

Wait! ICS, can I stay one more month in Spain? No? You know what—that’s okay. I want to see my parents anyway. Thank you to the amazing ICS staff for making my time in Spain so special and for always having your office doors open to chat with cookies. Since January 2025, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen to me how much I wanted to study abroad, to experience a different part of the world beyond Broward County. Spain was my first choice because learning Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country sounded exactly like what I Needed.

Now, am I bilingual after a month? Unfortunately, no, I couldn’t translate much for you. But I’ve gained so much knowledge of the Spanish language. I’ve ordered food at restaurants, asked for directions after taking the wrong bus, and was helped by kind Spaniards. I can even tell you the time and today’s date! Being in Spain gave me the push I needed to speak Spanish to native speakers without being afraid of making mistakes. That was my biggest goal. On this journey, I’ve met so many different, interesting, funny, and kind people in this program. Especially in my iconic housing with my nine other housemates, who made this month feel homey and fun.

Our last school trip? Oh, nothing major…. just an unforgettable weekend in Morocco. Yes, in North Africa! My mind still hasn’t fully processed that I was actually there. I rode a camel on the beach in Tangier, bought gifts, oils, and teas in Chefchaouen (the Blue City), danced with traditional Moroccan performers, and ate fresh bread straight from a local bakery. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to step foot on the Motherland.

Thank you to the amazing ICS staff for making my time in Spain so special and for always having your office doors open to chat with cookies. Studying abroad comes with a mix of emotions. Sometimes you’ll feel doubt, other times pure excitement. A part of you may want to stay where it’s familiar. But if you really want to grow and learn, you have to take risks and listen to what your heart tells you. Life is too unpredictable to waste it on fear.

Kandra at Plaza de España