Hola amigos!
I am in the middle of my academic term in Sevilla, Spain, where I am studying at Universidad Pablo de Olavide. I have moved to a different part of Spain from where I studied Spanish for my language term in Valencia. Valencia will always have a piece of my heart, but I have grown to have such a deep appreciation and love for Sevilla as well. Sevillians are so kind: pure hearts, enjoy family time, tapas, culture and all the city’s joys. They make the most out of every day. I genuinely don’t know when they sleep because it is always so lively and active here. Plus the accent, I love it! It is amazing to hear and see differences in a country that speaks the same language; it’s like a whole new dialect within Spanish. I was nervous at first about it because everyone told me how hard it would be to understand, but I have started to feel like a pro.
Although I am in a new place, I have felt nothing but at ease and at home since the moment I arrived. A huge factor is the people I live with. I am living with a wonderful family. My host mom is a retired special education teacher, and my host dad is a retired English teacher. How amazing for a future teacher to be in a home with them! They are the sweetest couple, constantly checking in, including me in family plans, expanding my knowledge about Spain, the culture, the food and the history of Sevilla. I learned early on in my experience abroad the importance of your environment. I cannot thank my Spanish family in Sevilla for all they have done for me in such a short period. We laughed together when I got a new roommate on the last day of February. I had only been there a month, and we all felt we had known each other for years. They have also helped me connect with various people in the city and expand my friend group here. I have become friends with my host mom’s 27-year-old daughter and have met her wonderful Spanish friends, who are great company and love to speak Spanglish with me. I have also had the honour to get along so well with my host dad’s 26-year-old daughter, who wants to improve her English speaking with me in exchange for private flamenco dance lessons. They are all helping me prepare for Feria (the biggest celebration of the year in Sevilla) at the beginning of May by teaching me basic dance steps and the rhythms so I fit in like a local with them! I love how I am always learning more about Spain and the culture with the Spanish language and beyond. The supportive and warm environment I am in positively impacts me and my experience here during my academic term, making the time fly by and making me feel like I have lived here for years!
As previously stated, I am studying at Universidad Pablo de Olavide in their multidisciplinary studies program. I’m taking five courses here that all connect to Spanish culture in one way or to Spanish in general. One of my favorite courses is my Spanish conversation class, where we learn more about Spanish culture in each unit, specifically Andalusian culture and accent. Still, we have also learned about food, expressions and how to speak like you’re not a “guiri” (which tourists are called here!). I also love my English literature class, which focuses on Nobel Prize winners from Latin America and Spain. It emphasizes the rich cultural components their work is influenced by to make them a recipient of a Nobel Prize. My courses have taught me a lot and enhanced my appreciation for the culture, lifestyle, language, and the food here in Spain!
My goal for the semester is to continue growing and learning in all the various forms I can. Although I am currently learning a lot academically, I’m learning a lot more outside of the classroom. I’m thankful for what Sevilla has offered me in such a short time. I’m so grateful for my family here, the people I have connected with, my wonderful courses, and all the learning I have encountered. I plan to further my Spanish skills by taking small-talk and simple conversations as wins. It is a journey, and learning is not always linear. Learning a language does not come overnight, but when you set goals and are always motivated to learn, you learn much more with an open mind. This experience is something I will cherish my whole life and will constantly reflect on, not only learning a language but learning in more ways than one every day.
I hope you enjoyed reading my little catch-up on my time in Sevilla! Hasta luego!
Alexandra
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships are open to undergraduate students of McGill University, University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, and McMaster University, along with recipients of the McCall Huron County and MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships studying at any Canadian institution. The Fellowships accept applications between October to January each year.