My name is Cecilia Ordorica and I am studying in Seville Spain this semester. This was not my first time being abroad but it was my first time in Europe. Spain is everything that I expected and more. The beautiful architectures, and monuments are breathtaking. The culture here is very different, but nothing I can’t adjust to. One of the first difference I noticed was the eating times. Here they usually have breakfast at 8 am, lunch at 3 pm and dinner at 9 pm which is very different from my eating times back at home. Also, here people are very close. They always touch you and kiss you in the cheeks every time you meet them.

One thing I have really liked about this experience is how close we can get to our host families here. I did not expect my host family to be so nice and friendly. They always make me feel at home and make sure I’m always doing fine. I also didn’t expect the people here to be so open about meeting “tourists”. I have met so many Spanish people and they are so interested in my life as a student abroad and everyone wants to give me tours. The people are definitely nicer than what I had expected.

My experience in Seville has been nothing but amazing. Learning about this rich culture is so fulfilling. I am so grateful for the G. Dale Smith, ’37 and Ruth Peterson Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund for making this experience possible.

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