Hi! My name is Lauren Anderson and I am a junior at the College of Charleston! I am majoring in International Business with minors in Leadership for Sustainability and Business Language Minor in Spanish. I am currently studying abroad this semester in Sevilla, Spain at the Universidad Pablo de Olavide.

I am studying through an affiliate program called ISA (International Studies Abroad). I chose to study through an affiliate program because I wanted the opportunity to take classes focusing on my major, as well as live with a host family in order to experience life like a local while I am abroad! I applied for this program because of the immense support ISA provides through the entirety of the study abroad process as well as the opportunity to take this journey alongside other students from around the nation – some of my best friends since coming to Spain are other students I have met through ISA! I love attending the Universidad Pablo de Olavide because it provides me the unique opportunity to study with other international students from programs all around the world! As an International Business major, I have absolutely loved learning besides peers from Germany, Italy, Canada, and Spain. Learning in an international classroom brings unique perspectives and cultural differences that I have found very beneficial to my studies and has allowed me to make friends worldwide! This has been my favorite aspect of studying abroad!

Before coming abroad, I did a lot of research about the Spanish culture and different regions of Spain. I chose to study in Sevilla because I was drawn to the city’s beautiful architecture, unique history and culture, as well as the laid-back lifestyle. Sevilla is the capital to Spain’s Andalusian region (southern Spain) and is truly one of Spain’s greatest cities. The Andalusian accent took some time to get used to, but it is such a beautiful dialect of the Spanish language! Sevilla’s location in Spain has given me the opportunity to travel throughout Spain for fun day trips, as well as weekends in other countries in Europe!

One of my main goals for my time abroad was to immerse myself in the Spanish culture. Living in Sevilla has provided me with so many amazing opportunities to do so! While abroad, I am living with a host family to help obtain this goal! Doing so I have been able to improve my language skills, try many traditional dishes and learn so much about the Spanish culture. The Tapa (small plates) originated in Andalusia and is an important part of the culture! Some of my favorite tapas include the Spanish tortilla, patatas bravas, espinacas con garbanzos, and pisto de verduras! Another goal I had was to gain knowledge of the world and learn about different cultures. As an International Business major this is so important to me and something I have become so passionate about. Studying with other International students has been such a fun way to do this and something I will miss most about my time abroad.