FAQ

Semester in Spain is located at our TCCSevilla facilities in Seville (Sevilla), Spain. Situated in the southernmost part of Spain, Sevilla is the capital of Andalucía and home of the world’s third largest cathedral. It is full of rich history and traditions that have given the modern-day city a lot to offer: amazing architecture, historical landmarks, colorful festivals, and a vibrant nightlife that features authentic flamenco dancers, Sevillanas musicians, and delicious restaurants.

Located in southern Spain, Sevilla has a relatively moderate climate with average temperatures at 77°F during the day and 55°F at night. Winter months can be rainy with temperatures dropping to the low 40’s (which is nothing compared to Chicago’s -20°F!). Spring and fall are usually beautiful moving toward significantly warmer temperatures during the summer. It is not uncommon to crest 100°F several times during the months of June, July, and August. This makes kayaking along the Guadalquivir River even more of a treat!

As you might imagine, Sevillian cuisine is Mediterranean style with a Spanish flair. Olive oil, bread, and ham are staples in almost every house along with fruits, fish, and legumes. Since our students eat meals with their host families, they get to experience a variety of local dishes which might include tortilla española (similar to an American omelet) or salmorejo (a cold and thick tomato soup).

Meal times differ significantly from those in the U.S., which takes a bit of adjustment. Typical meal times begin at:

Breakfast – 7:30-9:00 am
Lunch – 2:00-3:00 pm
Merienda (snack) – 5:00 pm
Dinner – 9:00-11:00 pm

We require all of our students to have a functioning cell phone with them while on our program. There are two options:

• 1. Get a local SIM card and Spanish phone number for your US smartphone. Our staff will assist students in making these arrangements during the first few days in Sevilla.  We have partnered with a Spanish company to provide a variety of phone plans at low-price options ($10-30/month)
  2. Get an international plan for your smartphone, including data, with your US operator; and download WhatsApp for easy communication with everyone in Sevilla and at home.

This is typically a personal decision that you’ll have to decide for yourself. Although we provide a computer lab at our facilities, many students prefer bringing their own laptop on the program. This allows them to Zoom, email, and plan weekend trips even when they don’t have access to our computer lab.

With free Wi-Fi in each homestay, most students find it best to Zoom, Facetime, and iMessage using their various electronic devices. Students without these devices may prefer to talk over the phone using their Spanish phone plan.

Most definitely! We encourage family and friends to visit you while you’re studying in Seville. Although you will still be expected to attend classes, there is plenty of time in the afternoon and evenings for you to spend time together. Visitors are required to find their own accommodations. Many visitors choose to come during time off. If you plan to visit in the spring during Holy Week (Semana Santa) or the April Fair (Feria), we recommend booking your lodging well in advance. Hotels and flats fill up quickly during these special events. Click here to learn more about visiting.

We recommend mailing packages via UPS or FedEx. If you choose to use USPS, there is a strong possibility of your package being held at customs and the student having to pay extra to receive it.

Address packages to:

TCCSevilla
Attn: [Name of student]
Calle Lagar, 6
41004, Sevilla,
ESPAÑA

There are two options for getting to and from Semester in Spain.

1. You may book your own flights arriving and departing from Sevilla according to the dates of your semester.
2. You may choose the recommended flight by our staff.

Students who choose the recommended flight will be met by our staff and delivered to their host’s home. Those who arrive on different flights/times will need to get a taxi and go directly to their host’s home.

All students on Semester in Spain will need a passport.

Non-US citizens and anyone participating in the full semester program will need a visa. If you are only participating in the summer terms or are an EU citizen, you do not need a visa.

See Passports & Visas for more information.

Yes! We always encourage our students to explore whether that be locally in the city of Sevilla or globally to another country. Each semester has at least one full week-long break and several extra-long weekends which provide plenty of travel opportunities. Many students fly low-cost airlines such as Ryan Air.

Semester in Spain is a Spanish immersion program, which means all of your classes will be in Spanish. Advanced students may study Spanish art, history, culture, literature, and grammar. They may also take the Acción Solidaria (Service Learning) course. Intermediate students have less of an option to select courses. They follow a set track throughout the semester, increasing their knowledge of the Spanish language and culture.

See the Academic Levels for more information and course listings

All Semester in Spain students take their classes in the TCCSevilla facilities in central Sevilla. The facilities consist of several classrooms, a computer lab, library, student lounge, and rooftop lounge. Located near the Las Setas and La Plaza del Salvador, TCCSevilla is within walking distance of several cafes, restaurants, and shops.

The majority of our students come from Christian partnership (CCCU) institutions across the United States, with a few from other colleges and universities.

Our faculty are highly qualified native Spaniards with a breadth of academic preparation in the language, literature, history, and culture of Spain. The majority of our faculty and staff has been with the program for more than 20 years. Their love for their work couldn’t be more obvious and as any SIS alum would tell you, their enthusiasm is contagious.
Read more about our faculty.

Classes in Spain are slightly different than those in the US. Students will be in class Monday through Friday during the morning and early afternoon. (Intermediate students have class every day, while our Advanced students have class every other day.) This allows you to have regular exposure to the academic material in retainable proportions. Each class is usually formed around exams and papers with a few classroom excursions and activities incorporated throughout the semester. We try our best to engage the city and culture as a part of the academic experience.

Yes – Intermediate and Advanced students who attend the Spring Term may stay for an additional six weeks to complete an internship with one of our professional sites.

All students who participate in and complete the Semester in Spain program may request a digital transcript via Trinity Christian College’s transcript provider for a minimal processing fee.

When you participate in our study abroad program, you’ll discover cathedrals and other historical landmarks that are centuries old. You’ll eat tapas and take mid-afternoon siestas. You’ll be amazed by citywide fútbol mania and weeklong Semana Santa celebrations. You’ll build meaningful relationships with your Spanish family members and your native professors. You’ll watch flamenco dancers and listen to sevillanas musicians. You’ll take tours of art museums and bullrings. You’ll travel to other Spanish cities and, if you choose, other countries.

Learn more about Life in Sevilla and Academic Activities

A typical day consists of breakfast during the morning with your host family, and a brief walk or bike ride to the school. Classes begin at 9am and end around 1pm. Lunch will be provided by your host family anytime between 2-3:30pm. From 2-5pm is the Spanish siesta. During this time you can take a nap, read, finish up homework, or enjoy sobremesa with your host family. Post siesta, you will have free time until dinner, which is usually served between 9-11pm. We strongly encourage you to use this time to get involved in the community. Find a Spanish church and attend their youth group, join a local gym, join a intramural sport, take a dance class, or enjoy piraguismo on the river. Some of our students have even used this mid-day opportunity to teach English or dance lessons to the locals. Whatever your interest may be, we will do our best to connect you. Simply talk with our Student Ministries Coordinator or Director in Spain.

There are tons of activities for students to participate in during their free time. We highly recommend you get involved in your area of interest whether that be soccer, dancing, kayaking, singing, or serving in the community. Sevilla also offers a wide variety of local events. Students can go see an opera at the Maestranza, watch a Betis or FC Sevilla game, or visit a local tapas bar. Get out there and explore.

Yes, we offer a class dedicated to service learning which you may take for credit or just to get involved in giving back to the community. Visit our Acción Solidaria page to learn more about these opportunities.

Yes, and we strongly encourage it! There are a variety of local churches just a metro or bus ride away. We recommend getting involved right away with a church. Our Student Ministries Coordinator takes students on a church-hopping tour during the first month of classes to assist in this process. There are even several youth groups that meet throughout the week that allow you to build solid friendships with Spanish Christians of similar ages.

Sevilla is a relatively small city, and yet large enough that there is always something new to explore. Most of our students simply walk everywhere with a few taking advantage of the Sevici public bike system. For just around 30 euros, you can have access to bikes across the city for 30 minutes at a time. This is an excellent way to quickly get around the city. Sevilla also has an excellent public transportation system with a metro, city buses, county buses, and trains. We encourage all of our students to try the various forms of public transportation during their semester. It is an excellent way to improve your Spanish, broaden your horizons, and have an adventure!