Take advantage of the unique flavor Seville has to offer. CEA offers a variety of local immersion activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the localculture. Here are just some examples.
Horse and Carriage ride
There is no a better way to get to know the city than a relaxing ride in a horse and carriage. The students will have their first chance to get their bearings through this activity, which will allow them to see Seville's most important monuments.
Flamenco Show
Flamenco is perhaps the most emblematic symbol of Spanish culture and art. Its exact origins cannot be attributed to any one particular musical legacy; rather, it evolved through a fusion of Arabic and Jewish chants and melodies from both the near and far East brought to southern Spain by gypsies in the 15th century. This beautiful art form is demonstrated through song, guitar and dance and expresses powerful emotions, from profound sorrow to great joy. It is also considered to be a dynastic art form, passed down and developed from generation to generation within gypsy families throughout Spain. The Triana neighborhood of Seville is often considered the birthplace of the flamenco that we know today and is still home to dozens of small bars where live flamenco can still be seen and heard. Flamenco can also be enjoyed in other parts of Seville in tablaos (flamenco bars), fiestas and juergas (informal, private parties). This art form is a great cultural treasure that is an important component of your experience in Spain; after all, a visit to Seville is not complete without seeing a flamenco show. Students will enjoy a colorful night of twirling skirts, strumming guitars, and clapping hands in the heart of Seville, experiencing the passion that the gypsies brought to the southern region of Spain.
Cathedral Visit
The Cathedral of Seville, formally Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede (Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See) was begun in 1402, with construction continuing into the 16th century. It is the largest of all Roman Catholic cathedrals and also the largest Medieval Gothic religious building in terms of both area and volume. It is 76 by 115 meters, and was built to cover the land previously occupied by the Almohad Mosque. Its central nave rises to an awesome 42 meters and even the side chapels seem tall enough to contain an ordinary church. Its main altarpiece is considered the largest in the Christian world. Students will enjoy a guided tour of the most visited monument in Seville, go up the Giralda tower to experience breathtaking views of Seville and its surroundings, and see Christopher Columbus's tomb and endless chapels.
Conversational Exchange Partners
Commonly known as intercambios, you can meet with a Spaniard over coffee and have a nice conversation about the cultural differences that exist between countries or simply get to know someone on a friendly basis. It's a great way to learn the language.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering is a wonderful way to reach out, integrate and experience the local culture, while at the same time contributing to a worthy cause. CEA has established relationships with a number of non-profit organizations allowing students to work with the young, old and/or disabled. Students who have volunteered in the past, have said that volunteering was an important part of their study abroad experience as it helped them improve their language skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the local culture.
Bullfight (Spring only)
Bullfights are a national sport and spectacle of Spain, called corrida de toros in Spanish. Although highly controversial, bullfighting is a national spectacle. The bullfight takes place in a large outdoor arena known as the plaza de toros. The object is for one of the toreros (bullfighters or the matador) to kill a wild toro (bull) with a sword. Seville's bullring is known world wide as one of the finest, so students have a unique opportunity to learn about the art of bullfighting at this awe-inspiring ring. With CEA, students can learn to hide their heads or to wave white handkerchiefs.
Arab Baths (Summer and Fall only)
Seville was under Morrish rule from 712 to 1248. Today we can still see influences of the Arabic domination in the Spanish culture. Through this immersion activity students can travel back in time and experience what was a common social phenomenon at the time. Arab baths are becoming more and more popular in Spain reflecting an interest to rekindle such traditions from the past.
Isla Mágica
Isla Mágica is a theme park set in the XVI century of Seville, when pioneers and explorers left Spain to seek the treasures of the new world. The attractions and shows will help students recreate history of the city while enjoying the thrilling rides and the historic atmosphere.
Other Activities
- Photographic Treasure Hunt
- Movie night
- City tour, by bus or walking
- Tapas night
- Arab Tea
