Living with my host family in Seville, Spain, was one of the most impactful parts of my study abroad experience. From the moment I arrived, my host mother, Manuela, welcomed me with open arms, making me feel right at home in a new country. 

Madeleine, Manuela, and I took a day trip to a beach town and got dinner and watched the sunset.   

Madeleine's family visited Spain, and Manuela graciously hosted them for a night. She prepared all the classic Spanish dishes, and we had a wonderful time together, sharing great food and unforgettable memories. 

She made sure we ate all our meals together, which became some of my favorite moments of the day. Whether it was her incredible homemade Spanish tortilla or a simple afternoon coffee, those meals were filled with laughter, stories, and a sense of family that made my time in Seville even more special. She eased my homesickness so much. 

For Madeline's 21st birthday, Manuela and I planned a surprise party to make her day extra special. We invited all our friends from abroad. Manuela, always the perfect hostess, helped set everything up, and we all gathered to celebrate with pizza and cake. Seeing Madeline’s reaction when she walked in was unforgettable. She was completely surprised and so happy. 

This apron Madeleine and I got for Manuelas going away gift. We thought it was so on-brand because she cooked all 3 our of meals for us! 

Manuela owns a clothing store in Sevilla, and my best friend and I, who lived together in the apartment, would often visit her there. It became part of our routine to stop by to chat and see how her day was going. She was always so excited to see us, and those little moments strengthened our bond beyond just being a host family and student. 

On this day Manuela took Madeline and I shopping! This was us heading to the car to go to the mall!

Once a week we would help Manuela do the laundry! 

Lucía, my host sister, was another major part of my experience. She had an incredible passion for travel and loved sharing her expertise with us. She gave us the best recommendations for weekend trips, hidden gems in Seville, and even tips on navigating Spain like a local. Thanks to her, I got to explore places I may have never discovered on my own. 

Madeleine and I still keep in contact with our family! This was us facetiming with them in October! 

This is a picture of our nightly walks with Woody! 

And then there was Woody, our sweet dog, who made the apartment feel even more like home. Whether it was coming back from class to his excited greetings or simply relaxing with him at the end of the day, he brought so much comfort. Every night, my family would take him for a walk together, which was so special. 

This is Manuela helping me with my homework. 

My host family didn’t just give me a place to stay; they gave me a second home. Their kindness, warmth, and support made my study abroad experience truly unforgettable, and I couldn't be more grateful for them.