What Is It Like to Study Abroad in Seville?

For many, Spain is a magical place with beachfront luxury and grand architecture that leaves the imagination wanting a Spanish escape. The different regions offer their own style and provide a unique experience based on one’s interests.

You’re in for an amazing experience when you make Seville your study abroad home.

Spain is also a top five study abroad destination for students from the United States, with nearly 20,000 students studying there in the 2019-2020 academic year alone. Barcelona and Madrid are the obvious options for those wanting to study on the Iberian Peninsula, but Seville stands out as the premier destination.

So, what is it like to study abroad in Seville? Seville’s cultural heritage makes it one of the best cities in Spain to study abroad. It is the capital of the Andalusia region in the southern part of the country, which lends it a warm climate that is attractive to most students.

Seville is also home to prestigious universities that offer enriching academic experiences. Institutions include University of Seville, Pablo de Olavide University, and the International University of Andalusia. You are sure to find a program or course that fits your needs.

Why study abroad in Seville?

Thinking about what it is like to study abroad in Seville? Seville provides a more personable and immersive experience for students studying in the country due to its slower pace of life.

Students can participate in cultural events such as Feria de Abril (April Fair), Semana Santa (Holy Week), and Bienal de Flamenco (Flamenco Biennial). You can always hit the books and then hit the town to enjoy some world-famous tapas.

Want to dance? Seville’s the birthplace of flamenco, so you can learn a step or two. And if you're itching to travel, Seville’s location makes weekend trips to places like Portugal and Morocco a breeze.

The classic landscape and gothic architecture of Seville provide you with a scenic commute to class. For Game of Thrones fans, you get the chance to visit Alcázar of Seville—a royal palace where the famed series was filmed. Then you have Plaza de España, located in Parque de Maria Luisa, that mixes Spanish Renaissance and Moorish styles.

READ: 11 Reasons Why You NEED to Study Abroad in Spain

11 things to expect when studying abroad in Seville

Let’s start with the striking architecture and rich culture.

If you’re wondering what to expect when studying abroad in Seville, we have you covered:

1. A different type of Spanish

The Andalusian accent, native to Seville and the broader region of Andalusia, is a unique variant of Spanish that’s quite distinct from the accents you might hear in other parts of Spain. Andalusians are known for dropping or softening consonants, especially at the end of words, which can make their speech seem faster to the untrained ear.

They also practice “seseo,” where the letters “c,” “z,” and “s” are all pronounced like the English “s.” This is different from the pronunciation in northern Spain, where “c” and “z” would have a “th” sound.

While these differences might pose a slight challenge for Spanish learners initially, understanding and speaking with the Andalusian accent can be a rewarding part of immersing oneself in the local culture. So, if you’re planning to study in Seville, get ready to tune your ear to the accent!

2. Proximity to the African continent

If you have never been to the African continent, then Seville provides access to northern countries such as Morocco. The journey typically involves driving or taking a bus to the port city of Algeciras or Tarifa in southern Spain, which takes about two to three hours.

From there, you can take a ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangier, Morocco. The ferry ride itself usually takes around one to two hours, depending on the specific route and ferry company.

Another option is to fly. Seville’s airport offers direct flights to several cities in Morocco, including Marrakech and Casablanca. The flight is typically around one to two hours, making it a quicker but generally more expensive option compared to the ferry.

3. Easy commute to Portugal

Seville’s location in the southern part of Spain makes it relatively easy to commute to Portugal, particularly to the regions of Algarve and Lisbon. The distance between Seville and Faro, a popular city in the Algarve region, can be covered in about two hours by car.

For those who prefer public transportation, there are regular bus services between Seville and various cities in Portugal. The bus journey to Faro takes around three to four hours, while a trip to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, takes approximately six to seven hours.

There are also numerous flights from Seville to Lisbon and other Portuguese cities, which can be a quicker but more expensive option.

4. Affordable cost of living

Treat yourself with the money you save by studying abroad in this affordable destination.

One of the many advantages of living in Seville is its affordability, especially when compared to other major Spanish cities like Madrid or Barcelona. The cost of living in Seville is relatively low, which can make your stay more comfortable and allow you to explore more of what the city has to offer. Many bars and restaurants serve free or low-cost tapas with the purchase of a drink.

READ: 9 Cheap Summer Study Abroad Programs in Spain

5. Affordable cost of tuition

Tuition fees vary depending on the university but will typically be more affordable compared to American universities. For bachelor’s programs at public universities in Spain, fees can range from around $800 to $2,700 for the academic year (for international students) and from around $1,000 to $3,800 for master’s programs.

6. Warm climate

The warm climate of Andalusia can be a gift and a curse. Summers can be particularly hot, with temperatures often exceeding 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August.

Winters in Seville are quite mild compared to many other European cities and snow is extremely rare. During spring and autumn, the weather is typically warm but not too hot, with temperatures usually ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

READ: How to Pack for Study Abroad in Europe

7. A walkable city

So, what can you expect when studying abroad in Seville? Plenty of opportunities to explore your surroundings on foot. There is no real need to catch a cab as it is easy to walk to your destination.

Walking is a chance to take in the beauty of Seville, too. The city is relatively flat and most hotspots are within a 30 minute (walking) radius. Public transportation is also readily available and it is easy to learn the ropes.

You’ll want to walk every chance you get in a city this picturesque.

It can get quite hot so walking may not always be the most ideal mode of transportation, but there are restaurants and shaded areas to seek refuge if you need a quick rest.

8. Tapas, tapas, tapas

Tapas are a quintessential part of Spanish cuisine. There are many conflicting stories surrounding the origins of tapas, but it is widely agreed that tapas refer to a small portion of food.

The way they are consumed varies by region. However, they are often served as a snack with drinks such as beer or wine. You can expect to pay between two to four euros on each piece.

There are approximately 3,000 tapas bars in Seville. Some of the best include Bodeguita Casablanca, La Azotea, and La Brunilda—but feel free to get out there and explore for yourself. Tapas bars provide literally thousands of opportunities to meet other students and make connections!

9. Active nightlife

Sevillanos have an active nightlife! Most of the party-goers do not convene until late into the night and do not return until the early morning.

If you intend on participating in the nightlife activities it is important to create a balance for studies and leisure. Drinking laws are also less lenient compared to the United States, so it is advisable to understand your personal limits and remain cognizant of your role as a visitor in another country.

10. Rich history and culture

Seville, like many parts of Andalusia, was heavily influenced by its period of Islamic rule under the Moors. The Giralda is the iconic bell tower of the Seville Cathedral. Originally built as a minaret during the Moorish period, it was converted into a bell tower for the cathedral after the Christian reconquest.

Today, the Giralda is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Beyond architecture, the Moorish influence is also seen in the local cuisine, with ingredients like saffron, cumin, and coriander introduced during the Moorish era still widely used.

11. Variety of programs to choose

Seville offers a wide variety of study abroad options that cater to different interests and academic needs. Whether you’re looking to dive into Spanish history, business, or art, or simply want to immerse yourself in the language, Seville has something for you.

For those focused on language acquisition, Seville’s language schools offer intensive Spanish courses at all levels. Universities in Seville also offer Spanish language courses designed specifically for international students, often combined with subjects related to Spanish culture and history.

Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Seville for FREE

See a different side of Spain—study abroad in Seville!

What is it like to study abroad in Seville? It’s time to pack your bags and find out for yourself!

Studying abroad in Seville will provide you with an experience that students in other Spanish cities won’t have. When everyone is studying in the expected places, you can choose to immerse yourself in a city that offers undeniable charm and character.