10 Lessons I Learned During My High School Abroad Experience in Spain

Post written by CIEE Global Navigator alum Clara L. who participated in CIEE’s high school abroad program in Seville, Spain from January 2023 to June 2023. In this post, she shares the lessons she learned while attending high school in Spain that she wished she would have known before her program. 

There will always be an empty part of my mind and body where Utrera, Sevilla used to take up.  

It was my second home for four months while participating on my CIEE High School Semester Abroad program.  

I lived with the most wonderful and caring mother, father, and two little host siblings. I feel extremely grateful for my time in Spain and here are a few lessons I would have loved to know pre-departure and throughout my time there.  

Lesson #1: Bring notes from loved ones 

Around a week before you leave, have family and friends write letters that you pack in your suitcase. You can open them halfway through your journey.  

It was comforting having special cards I could read when I was feeling homesick or even when I was really happy, wishing they were with me to share the moment.  

Lesson #2: Don’t overpack! 

Depending on when you are living in Spain, whether early fall-to-winter, winter-to-summer, or full year, I recommend bringing a nice dress for fairs or events with friends and family, a rain jacket because it rains even in early and late summer (I learned this the hard way) DON’T overpack. I stuffed my suitcase full, then ended up having to buy ANOTHER one at the end of my trip because I got or was given so many new clothes or souvenirs.  

This is just to say, follow the CIEE packing guide and don’t overdo it.  

Lesson #3: Bring a plastic folder for important docs 

This is really IMPORTANT. Pack a thin, plastic accordion folder for your backpack with easy access to files and papers that are required at the airport. I thanked my mom every day for having the idea to have that consolidated in one folder.  

For me this included: My passport, copies of CIEE forms, my permission to travel, my vaccine status, pre-printed school transcript forms so that they are already at the end of the semester for your teachers to fill out.  

Lesson #4: Don’t be shy when you meet other CIEE students! 

I felt insecure when we met at the airport. It is so normal after being on a long flight, but I wish that I would have been more open and felt more sure of myself when we were all introducing ourselves.  

I still ended up making some of the sweetest CIEE friends who I am still in touch with, but I regret not taking a deep breath and being more open with everyone in my program.  

Lesson #5: Don't worry if you freeze up when you first meet your host family 

Before Spain, I felt fairly confident with my speaking skills, but when I began to speak with my family and others, I quickly realized that I was far from conversational.  

Of course this is not true for everyone, but I was anxious when I first met my family and I felt like I couldn’t even speak or understand them.  

It took me a day or so to adjust, and then I was able to converse better.  

Lesson #6: Say yes! 

I actually got this lesson from another CIEE student. This helped. A lot. 

It basically means that when your host family or friends ask you to go to dinner, go to a soccer game, or even go on a walk, say YES! This is because the places you go with others could become lifelong memories, you could also meet someone who will take you out the next night or become friends with.  

Saying yes to everything doesn’t mean saying yes when your body or mind doesn’t feel like it, but it is something that helped me get out when I was feeling lazy.  

Lesson #7: Don’t compare your experiences to others.  

Another student gave me this lesson and it was most helpful.  

You may see other CIEE students, other kids in your town or class, or even people from back home, post on social media or tell stories about what is going on in their lives. Do not compare what others are doing or how they are living to what your choices are. It will ruin your life.  

Lesson #8: Be open about how you’re feeling 

Here’s a summary of my first few days on program: For the first week I felt I was on vacation. Once I settled, I began to miss the comforts of home and family so much, which quickly turned to anxiety and stress. I was concerned with stuff like getting my SIM card and getting settled in at my new home. Instead of letting that stress ruin the first few weeks, I chose to open up to my host family.  

They were able to guide me through all the challenges I faced. (Side note, for the SIM card I got a digital one once in Spain with the help of my host mom.) One thing I’d say that helped me through my four months was being open about my feelings to my host family and my real family, but also being able to keep a positive mindset:  

“In a month, whatever is making me stressed or anxious right now, won't matter to me anymore. This will pass and I will have a new life experience to draw from.”  

Lesson #9: Ask your teachers for help 

The term “jitters” is thrown around so much, but it described perfectly how it felt to be a new student in a foreign, Spanish speaking school. I was nervous but also excited! While I was worried about how I was going to communicate and how I would find my classes, I was also excited to meet everyone and dive into a completely different school with new friends and learning opportunities.  

Your teachers are there to support you, so don’t be afraid to ask many questions. Don’t show people a false version of yourself because you're nervous. Be authentic—that's when I was able to make my closest friends.  

Lesson #10: Cut yourself some slack  

It is so easy to be hard on yourself, especially when you're experiencing life in a way you never have. I remember days where I would be upset at myself for receiving a bad grade or having to use a translation app to communicate something. But what I learned with some help from family and people at CIEE is that you have to go easy on yourself.  

Of course this doesn’t mean not trying, but it means that it is normal to have bad days in school or problems with communication. Nothing will get better if you put yourself down or feel guilty. Don’t stay in your room all day or on your phone, but it is OK to want/ take personal space. Always try on your school assignments or studying even if it feels impossible. It is OK to get a bad grade.  

I could go on, but I hope that the message came across: What you are doing is amazing and it's ok to not always be the perfect version of yourself!  

Lesson #10.5: Have the best time while doing high school abroad!  

Your journey is about to begin and live it up to its fullest. If you have any further questions, feel free to DM me!  

 All love and best wishes (in Spain or whatever high school abroad location you pick!). 

IG handle: @claraalinde