Pre-departure Planning

I've always sworn to myself that I would start a blog and stick with it. After years of failed attempts, I am dedicated to my newest project of documenting this European adventure that I will embark on come January 30th. Through hard work and a wonderful and supporting family, I've been given the opportunity to spend a semester in the beautiful city of Sevilla, Spain. I have spent the last semester rocking out in school and planning trips to seemingly every city in every country on the entire continent of Europe (as well as Africa). Needless to say, I have had my heads in the clouds and hope to not come down anytime soon!

Some wonder why I am going to Sevilla rather than the obvious choices such as Madrid and Barcelona. As I began planning for this trip back in September (this all happened quite suddenly as most plan at least a year in advance), I scoured all possible programs available through UT. Many factors played in to my choice including price, location, classes offered and length of program. I knew immediately that I wanted to be somewhere warm and sunny. Many choices were quickly eliminated such as the entire northern part of Spain. I dug through countless catalogs, and stumbled upon Malaga and Sevilla. Initially Malaga seemed ideal. I had my heart set on this city up until the day I submitted my application. It looked beautiful and is located right on the coast. As I dug a little deeper though, I noticed that the program was much much smaller, as was the city. It is a port city and a popular tourist attraction come summer, however dead otherwise. As I looked closer at Sevilla I found that the history, culture, nightlife and surrounding cities were exactly what I was looking for.

Here is a little background on the city of Sevilla: it is the heart and soul of southern Spain as well as the capitol of Andalusia. The city is more than 2,000 years old and is the fourth largest in the country. It is home to one of the oldest and largest of all medieval, gothic cathedrals in the world. Seville's Moorish history seems endless, and the city hosts two major festivals every year. Semana Santa, otherwise known as Holy Week, is one of the most important traditional events of the city. It is held the entire week leading up to Easter, and people (particularly Catholics), come from all over the world to experience the atmosphere and events. Processions of sculptures exhibiting scenes such as the Passion happen all week long. Two weeks after Holy Week, the Seville Fair takes place. It is a week of all things "Seville", such as flamenco dancing, bull fighting, drinking and eating tapas. As I am told, Sevilla is an extremely proud city. Their culture is everything and you are expected to respect and embrace it. I'm quite excited to jump in head first and to keep an open mind. As much as I want to travel and see what I can while I am across seas, I am more excited to really delve in to the Spanish lifestyle. I will be staying with a host family, hopefully allowing me to experience traditional food and ways of life, all while improving my Spanish.

I've really never looked forward to something quite as much as this before. I'm so intrigued by other people and lifestyles, and I really believe this will be the start of some amazing cultural eye-openers. I'm pleased to be going through a company called ISA (International Studies Abroad). Having heard of other's study abroad experiences, I'm so happy to know that there will be a network of people to assist me, greet me at the airport and to show me some of the highlights! I think it will just enhance my experience that much more.

Considering I haven't even left yet, I know this was quite a long blog. Hopefully I have provided some insight in to my study abroad planning, as I truly feel that is probably the most stressful part. That being said, I think it went pretty smoothly and am (thus far), extremely happy with my decision!