Finals Week & Farewell in Seville

It’s hard to believe the semester is already coming to an end. After returning from our long Feria break, full of music, dancing, and colorful flamenco dresses, we had to switch gears quickly and jump straight into finals mode. One minute I was watching fireworks light up the Andalusian sky, and the next I was buried in textbooks, prepping presentations, and writing final papers. Time really does fly when you’re living a dream abroad.

Finals week is never easy, but this time it felt different. I wasn’t just another college student cramming in the library, I was now a student in Sevilla, Spain, studying beneath palm trees and surrounded by centuries-old architecture. Even in the most stressful moments, there was something magical about it all. Despite my nerves after the break, I was able to refocus and tackle the last week. Whether it was practicing for my presentations in the student lounge or writing a final paper in a quiet café, I pushed through the long nights and early mornings. And in the end, all the hard work paid off, I passed my finals with flying colors!

What made this week so special wasn’t just finishing schoolwork, it was realizing how much I had grown in such a short time. Living abroad forced me to become more independent, more adaptable, and more open-minded to everything around me. I learned how to navigate new cities on my own, communicate across language barriers, and appreciate the beauty of slowing down and living in the present. These weren’t just academic lessons, they were life lessons I’ll carry with me far beyond college.

I also found that some of the most meaningful moments happened in between the big events, sharing coffee with friends between classes, watching the sunset over the Guadalquivir River, or hearing local musicians perform in tucked-away plazas. These little moments made Seville feel like home. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but I take comfort in knowing that the memories we made here are ours to keep forever.

Once the academic storm of our finals finally ended, it was time to celebrate. The ICS Farewell Party marked the official end of our semester abroad, and it brought everything full circle. It reminded me of our orientation party, but this time, the room wasn’t filled with strangers and unfamiliar faces. It was filled with friends, memories, and goodbyes. The food was incredible as all the host families brought delicious treats to share, and the day was filled with laughter, stories, and a few tears. We reminisced about weekend trips,

spontaneous adventures, and the little moments that made this semester unforgettable.

It’s hard to put into words how much this experience has meant to me. Studying at the International College of Seville has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my college life. I’ve grown academically, personally, and globally. I’m leaving Sevilla with a heart full of gratitude, a journal full of memories, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Though it’s goodbye for now, I know this isn’t the end. Sevilla and the people I met here will always have a piece of my heart.

Hasta luego, Sevilla!