My Sevilla,
As I write this final blog, I wait for my departure to go back home. It feels as though it was only yesterday that I arrived in Spain with many scenarios going on in my head of how studying abroad in Seville, Spain would be like. My Sevilla, you did not disappoint! From the moment I landed, I felt anxious, excited and scared because you are different from what I have imagined, different from where I grew up, and spoke a different language that I don't speak very well! My Sevilla, you did not disappoint! On the first day, our school took as around your beautiful city and showed us your most price possessions, built from long ago by different people with different cultures. That is what always amazes me about you; I am at awe of how diverse you are in architecture and culture, and how after all these years you were able to preserve all that became your history. My Sevilla, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Studying abroad has been an adventure of a lifetime. You gave me an experience I will remember for the rest of my life; a different lifestyle that allowed me to explore my passion, strength, courage, and most of all goals in life. You introduced me to different people and volunteer opportunities that changed my life. With all of these, you were able to provide me with an amazing school (ICS), whose staff provided me and my peers with an unforgettable experience (e.g. cultural visits, field trips, celebrations). My Sevilla, thank you from the bottom of my heart! Before, I leave, I want to extend my gratitude for a wonderful semester filled with laughters, friendships, trips, visits, and most of all education that has gotten me closer to my academic and professional goals. You have pushed me beyond my limits and given me the strength to take more risks! Thus, when I land back home, I will tell my peers of how studying abroad is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will provide you with personal, professional, and academic growth. It is because of you that I learned to be more open-minded and not to judge (but rather understand different perspectives, some of which may be far from yours). It is you that taught me to be aware of my surroundings, whilst getting lost in all that a city/country offers. It is because of you that I learned to take advantage of this opportunity to travel and meet people from around the world. It is because of you that I learned that what they say about you is not all true; you work as hard, but just find time to relax and enjoy life. My Sevilla, muchos gracias por todo! Hasta Luego! Te quiero, Jheanelle
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The academic structure at ICS is a bit different than University of Hawai’i at Manoa (UH Manoa). This semester, ICS had over 20 students in its program from different colleges in the United States. Most of us took classes at ICS, but some took classes at the University of Seville granted that their level of Spanish was good. The courses at ICS were twice a week for two hours a day (except for the accelerated Spanish courses); we did not have school on Fridays because it was saved for cultural visits and field trips.
The courses at ICS only consist of students in the program; the biggest class had approximately 15 students and the minimum was at five. Nonetheless, the courses I took were structured and organized. My professors were knowledgeable, helpful, and encouraged discussions, which allowed me and my peers to learn more and have a clear understanding of the course topics. Similarly, to UH Manoa, writing was heavily enforced as we had to write multiple papers as well as present our findings in class. The papers were intensive and required a long time to finish, but were manageable overall as long as you give yourself enough time to do them. In addition, the presentations were as challenging, followed by a question and answer portion. The midterms and final exams were arranged differently from UH Manoa, as it does not follow the same finals schedule. Midterm and final exams are two days long and are on the same time frame as regular classes. My exams were difficult and writing intensive, but my peers and I helped each other study, which made us bond more and become closer to one another. In addition, I found myself studying harder for these exams than I did back home because of the higher level of interest I had on my courses.
Today marks the official end of the semester at the International College of Seville and I could not be more happy and sad to have ended it the way my peers, the school, and I did. Semester in Seville, Spain has been more than I had hoped I'd experience, see, and learn; it is such a wonderful city and it encompasses so much of Spain's history and culture. Studying in Seville, is definitely a great way to assimilate one's self into the culture of Spain. In addition, ICS has made our experience very special and has given us more than we asked for; they provided us with great courses, brilliant and wonderful professors, fun cultural visits and field trips, caring host family, and most importantly, ICS guided us all through the semester and continues to do so after the semester has ended. Therefore, it makes me so happy to have witnessed such a wonderful program change students' lives including my own, as well as seeing students experience what Spain has to offer. Studying abroad has given me confidence and helped me develop myself. I also made friendships that I will cherish forever. However, the end of the semester made me sad as I saw the farewell party begin to breakdown its decorations and say our goodbye to one another.
As the semester ended ICS threw a farewell party celebrating a great semester with all the students, staff, and host moms present. The party came after the last day of the final exam, which was tough, but it gave us the motivation to complete the exam to the best of our abilities. Moreover, the party was very fun and the ambiance of the room was happy throughout. We also had a "My Sevilla" photo contest featuring photos students took over the semester that represent what Sevilla is to them. In addition, one of the students performed a beautiful song. Finally, as we begun to go our separate ways, we had to say goodbye to our host families who have graciously welcome us to their home. Our host family, specially our host mom was the great; she took care of me and my roommate, helped us with our Spanish speaking skills, cooked delicious meals, and gave us tips on places to visit. Furthermore, saying goodbye to her was very hard, but I know I now have a family here in Seville, Spain as well. Moreover, one of the best part of studying abroad was the courses I took because of the impact it had both on my academic, professional, and personal life. My professors were wonderful and guided me and my peers both in our academia and our lives; they taught very well and were very knowledgeable of the courses. They also gave us traveling tips and have always cared for our safety when traveling outside of Seville. My courses were hard, but manageable; I was able to gain help from my professors when needed. In addition, all my courses were interesting and gave me more reasons as to why I chose business (finance and management) as my major. Some of the projects were hard and required many hours of work, but it has definitely improved my writing skills and understanding of business. The midterm and final exams were also challenging, but manageable by studying hard. Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime and I highly recommend it for everyone. It gives you a sense of interest and courage in your everyday life. Also, it allows you to experience different cultures with your own eyes (instead of hearing or watching it from someone or somewhere else) and makes you more knowledgable about the world. Semana Santa, also known as Holy Week is one of the most important holidays in both Roman Catholicism and the province of Seville. It is a week of celebration and remembrance of the death and rise of Jesus Christ. During this time, people (in Seville) give penance by taking part in processions that can last for almost 12 hours.
Seville is known for Semana Santa and many people from across the world come to Seville to witness it. Each day, a new fraternity performs a procession; each fraternities are of different churches and have different clothing, but of the same type. With this, they also have their own floats depicting Jesus Christ and another float with the Macarena (Holy Mother), who is loved and greatly celebrated here in Seville. Semana Santa happens in the month of April (April 9-16, 2017). Fortunately, I was able to witness such incredible event that I have long dreamed of since I was a child. As a Roman Catholic who grew up in the Philippines, Semana Santa was a big event in my life and I have always wanted to see this event in places like Spain. Moreover, I was able to witness three processions, one of which was with ICS (during the ICS Holy Week Party). The processions were unbelievably beautiful. Many people in each fraternities took part in the processions; some were children and young adults. In addition, alongside an ICS staff, I was given the opportunity to give a flower to the Macarena as a procession stopped by the school. I also watched some processions at night where the floats are bright from the lit candles on the float and the candles held by the people in the processions. Also, during the processions, someone would sing from a balcony, which is arguably the most beautiful thing to hear. Finally, I was able to travel in Rome, Italy halfway through Semana Santa. Being in Rome was a dream come true and being there during Semana Santa was even a greater honor. I travelled with my childhood friend whom I have not seen for many years. We saw all the amazing sights and I was able to attend the Easter Mass given by Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica. Overall, Semana Santa was a great week for me to have witnessed in the two most influential countries in the Roman Catholic religion. This was an amazing experience and I was grateful to have been part of this week. |
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