The city of Seville, Spain
A few things about studying abroad by Jim Thoennes

Historia

 History:
 The city was founded by the Romans almost 2200
years ago as Hispalis
 It was renamed to Seville by the Muslims who
conquered the lands in 712 AD.
 The city was retaken by the Christians in 1247 AD and
in the 1400’s its river port was made the rich
prosperous hub of imports from the Spanish colonies
in the New World.
 The Kings and Queens of Spain made a lavish court
here called the Alcazar which is famous today.
The Sites

 Catedral de Santa María de la
Sede
 The Cathedral of Saint Mary
 Is one of the oldest and
largest gothic cathedrals in
the world.
 The bell tower La Hiralda is
the tallest structure in the
city
 If your there in the spring try
and go to at least the 1st half
of Easter vigil mass whether
Catholic or not..
= mindblowing
Plaza de España
Designed by architect Aníbal González for the 1929 expo. Has been used in several
films including Star Wars for its breathtaking beauty. My favorite place.
Maria Luisa Park
Next to Plaza de España and the Largest park in the city. Great for outings,
studying, soccer, carriage rides, pedal-powered antique tour cars, etc.
Triana Bridge and the
Torre de Oro
Great, beautiful and breathtaking bridge next to Torre de Oro is a great place to sit
with friends enjoying the beautiful riverfront of the Guadalquivir
Tinto de Verano is suggested.
Sevillanos

The Flamenco of Seville
The Culture of Dance

 Seville, known as the capital of flamenco, is a very
passionate city when it comes to music and dance.
 flamenco bars that entertain through the wee hours of
the morning.
 The History of Flamenco Museum.
 City-wide festivals in both the fall and Spring all about
dancing, singing, playing flamenco.
Feria
The largest Flamenco festival at the end of April lasting an entire week. Even if it
just for one day, YOU HAVE TO GO! It will be top on your list of experiences in
Seville.
Experiencing Flamenco

 The people of Seville take their Flamenco seriously (in a
good way) so learning it is a great way to understand
their culture, impress them, and to have a lot of fun in the
process.
 If you’re a guitar enthusiast there are many opportunities to
learn Flamenco guitar. The best way to find them is at your
university.
 The international clubs at school usually organize flamenco
dance lessons but there are also other opportunities.
 Learning either how to dance or play flamenco will help
make festivals that much more fun!
Some Tips

Things to help make life a little easier
Sevici

 Get the year long city-bike pass!
 It only costs 25 euro and it will save you tons of time
and money in getting you around the city (versus
cabs, buses, and the metro)
 There are stations
everywhere.
 Great exercise!
Make a Spanish Friend

 Try to break out of the shell of just hanging out with other
Americans.
 The Spanish are very friendly and kind people but they
are somewhat reserved compared to us Americans when
it comes time to make new friends.
 If you want to start making Spanish friends the best thing
to do is get to know one via the intercambio program or
likewise in your school and they will most likely
introduce you to their friends and viola!
 It is a great way to gain fluency and from personal
experience, the Spanish are very fun to hang out with.
 If it happens, being in a relationship is probably the best
way you can practice your Spanish. (shouldn’t be your
only reason)
The Festivals

 Being in Europe has its ups because you can travel
everywhere and see so much but if you do too much
adventuring you will miss wonderful experiences in
Seville.
 Try and at least spend a couple days at the weeklong
festivals such as Semana Santa or Feria and you will
learn so much about the culture and
have fun doing it!
This is not the kkk..
Get to Know your Host
Family

 You can learn volumes about Seville and Spain from
talking with your host family.
 They will typically include you in the family if you
just make an effort to talk and get to know them.
 It’s a great way to practice your Spanish!
You will never forget studying abroad for rest
of your life.. But you will always regret not
studying abroad for the rest of your life