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This post is student written by Finley B. who participated in an Academic Year Abroad in Seville, Spain and was an Ambassador Abroad!

For those who don’t know me, my name is Finley, and I’m from Teton Valley, Idaho. For the 2024/25 academic year, I’m studying abroad in Seville, Spain. I’ve been here for about two months now, and I’ve found a good rhythm in my daily life. I’d love to share some of my experiences so far!  

Since arriving in Spain, I’ve made many new friends, tried countless new foods, and experienced more than I could have ever hoped for. 

Diving In

If you had told me two years ago that I’d be studying abroad in Spain right now, I would have never believed you. I feel incredibly grateful to be here. Every moment has been life-giving, and I’m having an amazing time. When I first arrived, I settled in quickly, though there were definitely some challenging moments, especially in the early days, as I realized how far away I was from my family. Even in the harder moments, I looked around and thought about how incredible it is to be 16 and living in Spain for the year. 

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve found a solid rhythm between school, social life, and activities I enjoy. My school days run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. After school, I head home for a delicious lunch prepared by my host mom. The afternoons are a mix of homework, phone calls with my family, and some downtime. Recently, I found a gym I absolutely love, so I’ve been going a few times a week. It’s been great for both my physical and mental health as I navigate life in a new country! I’ve also made some great friends at school and within my study abroad program, and the weekends are especially fun. Everyone gathers to hang out in the city, which has been such a blast! 

If anyone reading this is considering studying abroad, I wholeheartedly encourage you to take the leap! I’ve only been here for two and a half months, but I’m already loving every minute of it. Don’t worry too much about leaving behind your town or missing things back home. Those things will still be there when you return. Now is the time to take the risk, embrace new experiences, and make the most of this incredible opportunity! 

If you are interested in studying abroad during high school, you can or you can with an Enrollment Coordinator to start planning.    

CIEE’s High School Abroad Program in Spain

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