Daniela Rivas from Ithaca College – NY on her Practicum in Education Summer Abroad Program in Sevilla.
For Daniela Rivas, studying abroad in Sevilla wasn’t just about academics—it was about growth, cultural immersion, and building lifelong connections. Through the Practicum in Education program, she discovered a new passion, gained confidence, and embraced the vibrant pace of Spanish life.
Why Did You Choose This Program?
I read past student testimonials, and they were overwhelmingly positive.
I knew I wanted a hands-on experience in education, and Sevilla sounded like the perfect place to do it. Turns out, I was right!
What Did You Love About Sevilla?
Sevilla is an incredibly walkable city, and I loved that I could explore everything on foot.
After school, my favorite thing to do was stroll through the Centro, taking in the history, the hidden alleys, and the beauty of the city. Every walk was an adventure.
What Did You Love About Spain in General?
The welcoming atmosphere in Spain made me feel at home from the start.
Everywhere I went, the people were some of the kindest I’ve ever met. Their warmth made adapting to a new country so much easier.
Living in a Homestay: A Second Home
My host mom was amazing.
She wasn’t just accommodating—she truly cared, especially when I was feeling homesick. She made me feel like part of her family, and we still keep in touch even after the program. Living so close to the Centro was also a huge plus!
A Day in the Life in Sevilla
Mornings began with planning sessions with my host teacher. Before classes started, we would go over the day’s lessons and make sure we were ready for the students.
After school, I would have lunch with my host mom (one of my favorite parts of the day). Then, I’d embrace the Spanish siesta, which was the perfect way to refresh for the evening.
Once the city came alive again, my friends and I would explore Sevilla, whether it was visiting landmarks like Las Setas or enjoying tapas at a local restaurant.
What Did You Study?
I took How to Teach English as a Foreign Language, an incredible course that gave me practical teaching skills and insights on what makes education engaging and effective.
How Did This Experience Impact You Academically?
This program showed me the value of learning in different environments.
It challenged me to adapt and grow, which is essential for any future teacher. Seeing different teaching methods firsthand was an invaluable experience.
Personal Growth: Confidence & Independence
Living in a completely foreign environment taught me so much about myself.
It built my confidence and independence, helping me figure out how to navigate a new culture and lifestyle on my own. Even though I was only there for a few weeks, the impact was lasting.
What Surprised You the Most?
The slower pace of life in Sevilla was a huge (and welcome) surprise!
In the U.S., everything is always moving fast. In Spain, I learned to appreciate the slower moments, especially with siestas. Taking time to reset in the middle of the day was something I didn’t know I needed.
How Did SSA Support You?
SSA made everything seamless, especially when it came to handling trip expenses.
Anytime I had a question, they responded quickly and made sure everything was taken care of, which allowed me to focus on enjoying my experience.
Advice for Students Considering Study Abroad
Studying abroad will change your life.
You’ll experience new cultures, meet incredible people, and grow in ways you never expected. Being away from home is tough, but the SSA community makes you feel at home right away.
If you’re on the fence—take the leap. You won’t regret it.
Sevilla Could Be Your Next Adventure—Are You Ready?
Daniela embraced the culture, education, and personal growth that studying abroad offers. If you’re thinking about Sevilla, this could be your chance to do the same!
