First Week in Spain: From Jet Lag to Jumping In!

After a long journey, starting with battling jet lag, and finally landing in Spain, my adventure has officially begun! Our first week in Sevilla was packed with welcome activities planned by ICS to introduce us to the city, our new classmates, and the Spanish way of life. ICS made an exciting itinerary filled with cultural experiences, stunning sights, and amazing food.

Welcome Week Highlights:

• Thursday, Jan 30: Orientation day! We got an overview of our classes, met the ICS staff, and started getting familiar with our new classmates and school.

• Friday, Jan 31: A scenic walk through María Luisa Park and along the river. Where we took in some of Sevilla’s most historic and picturesque spots!

• Saturday, Feb 1: A guided tour through Sevilla’s monumental downtown and historic shopping district. And ended with a delicious serving of churros con chocolate!

• Saturday Evening: A night of excitement and rhythm at the Museo del Baile Flamenco, where we experienced an authentic Flamenco performance, one of the most breathtaking displays of Spanish culture. This show brought tears to my eyes it was so good (I'm not kidding!!)

• Sunday, Feb 2: We wrapped up the weekend with an exclusive cruise down the Guadalquivir River, enjoying music, refreshments, and the incredible views of the city from the water.

By the end of the weekend, I had already fallen in love with Sevilla’s charm, rich history, and vibrant energy. The architecture, culture, and lively streets were beyond anything I had imagined. But as much fun as Welcome Week was, it was time to shift gears, the first week of classes was about to begin.

I’ll admit it, I was very nervous at first. After a long, travel-filled winter break, I had to quickly switch back into my student mode. I was taking five classes this semester, three at the International College of Sevilla (ICS) and two at EUSA, a nearby international school. My first classes at ICS thankfully went smoothly. Since I had met many of my classmates and even some professors during Welcome Week, I already felt a sense of familiarity. The relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at ICS made settling in much easier.

EUSA, on the other hand, caught me a little off guard. Since their semester had already started two weeks prior, we were walking into classes that were already in full swing. Our school assured us that professors would help us adjust, but let’s just say, our first class was a little hectic. My friend and I had back-to-back classes with the same professor at EUSA, and we expected a gradual introduction into the courses. Instead, the professor taught as usual and assigned us a project that was due next class, one that our classmates had two weeks to work on. Unfortunately, we had two days to complete what they had 14 days to do. Thankfully, it was a group project, and with the help of the other new students we were able to finish it on time. It was a crash course on adapting quickly, something I now realize is essential when studying abroad!

Tips for Tackling Your First Week of Classes Abroad:

1. Attend all the Welcome Week activities! Even though they aren’t mandatory, they’re a great way to explore the city, bond with your classmates, and get comfortable in your new environment. Plus, they’re free and packed with unforgettable experiences!

2. Be engaged in your first week of classes. This is your first time meeting your professors, make a great impression by showing interest, asking questions, and participating in discussions. It sets the tone for the rest of the semester.

3. Don’t be late—be early. Nothing is more awkward than walking into a new class late, especially when you’re already trying to adjust to a foreign learning environment. Give yourself extra time to find your classrooms and get settled.

4. Have an open mind. The first week might feel overwhelming, especially if you’re stepping into a completely different academic system. You might have foreign classmates, unfamiliar teaching styles, and unexpected challenges, but embrace the experience. Believe in yourself, stay flexible, and take everything as a learning opportunity.

5. Make friends and find a support system. Whether it’s classmates, roommates, or local students, having people to navigate this experience with makes all the difference. You’ll help each other with classes, assignments, and of course—exploring Spain!

Looking back, my first week in Spain was a rollercoaster of excitement, culture shocks, and quick learning. From Flamenco shows to navigating university classes, it was an incredible mix of adventure and adjustment. I can already tell that this semester will be one of the most transformative experiences of my life. If you’re about to start your study abroad journey, just remember: embrace the unexpected, keep an open mind, and enjoy every moment. One week down—so many more amazing ones to go!