Universidad de Sevilla (US)

I encountered many difficulties, which has brought me to a higher level of Spanish. There are many aspects of this study abroad experience that have been unique. For one part, I was a bit nervous at the beginning that I was leaving off to a foreign country not knowing where I was going to stay and having to find my own way around. I arrived speaking none to very little Spanish. But now when I look back I am so happy I had to do it this way. I see many Americans and Erasmus students with groups and tour guides helping them with their every move. This HPU exchange program has brought me to a higher level of Spanish in many different ways I would not have been able to experience if not taking the opportunity.

On San Fernando, across from the Rectorado, there are many cafés/bars open until around 10pm on the weekdays. La Carbonería in el barrio Santa Cruz has a number of flamenco shows that are less "touristy" unlike those found at El Patio by the Plaza de Toros. In March/April is the Feria de Primavera where you can drink rebujitos while dancing sevillanas in Los Remedios. If you know any local people, you might even be invited into a caseta that usually houses its own bar, bathroom, and speaker system. Across the Guadalquivir, you can visit places on the Calle Betis. The best way to pass your time is tapas hunting in the area behind the Avenida de la República, on the opposite side as the cathedral (I forget the name of the neighborhood.)Also, the Alameda de Hércules has great jazz venues with univerisity jam sessions-- an easy way to meet other ERASMUS students from countries like Italy, France, and Germany.