10 Hot Tips

If anyone is considering studying abroad in Spain, specifically Sevilla, I would be more than happy to talk to you if you reached out. However, if you don’t want to do that, I have composed a list of top 10 helpful tips that I could pass onto any prospective student at ICS or even anywhere in Europe (in no particular order).

1. eSIM-  My friends had to set up international plans with their carriers; skip that circus. Download the Mobi Matters app on your phone, even before you leave. You can buy an eSIM the second you land, just by scanning a QR code. And it'll be cheaper too, I paid less than a dollar per gigabyte (plus it worked throughout the EU).

   

   
   

2. Siestas- Siestas are real. The first week, you might be strolling around, going shopping, then–BAM–everything's closed, the city takes one giant nap. You get used to it after a while. But while you're in Spain, adjust to the Spanish lifestyle, take a nap too! Find some shade, have a slow lunch, and embrace the siesta life.

   

   
   

3. Speak- Try to speak Spanish! Talk to locals! Even if you are bad at it, it is still well received, and people appreciate that you are trying. Who knows, you might even make friends.

   

   
   

4. Wine- All wine in Spain is amazing. If you want a fancy bottle for a welcome gift or something, awesome. But if you just want to have a nice evening with your buddies, buy boxed wine. You don’t need to be pretentious to enjoy some vino.

   

   
   

5. Yes- When in doubt, say yes. If you don’t feel like doing something, say yes anyway. You can sleep or chill when you are back at home. Take advantage of being in a completely different culture.

   

   
   

6. Toiletries- Bring extra of your essential toiletries. Me and some of my friends learned the hard way, they don’t have the same selection of toiletries in Spain. I couldn’t find anti-perspirant deodorant to save my life. I also heard it is hard to find hair conditioner.

   

   
   

7. Historical Spots- Many things in life should be free. Sevilla’s historical sites are not one of them, and that's okay. You might get in for free with your college, you might get in for free on a Monday (look into discounted Mondays online), but if you don’t, pay anyway. It’s worth it. I regret not visiting all of them.

   

   
   

8. Walk around- Cool stuff is tucked away in every corner. Walk around and get lost. There are so many alleyways with hidden restaurants and bars that you won’t get to try if you don’t explore. 

   

   
   

9. Water- You have to pay for water everywhere, even in restaurants. However, Sevillas tap water is criminally underrated, so bring a water bottle, fill up at home, and save money. Or if you are going to buy water at a restaurant, get sparkling, it's basically the same price.

   

   
   

10. At a restaurant- You're in Spain. You want paella, don't order it at dinner. Paella is only ordered for lunch, very rarely will you see a local ordering it for dinner. Sangria is also never ordered by a local–any time of day. It's normally only made for parties or celebrations at home. If you want something similar, I recommend ordering a Vinto de Verano.