Before coming to Spain from the United States, I prayed that the Lord would open doors of opportunities for me to form meaningful, genuine connections with people while in Sevilla. Studying aboard is far more than meets the eye—it isn’t just about acquiring a new language or being immersed in a new culture, but also about individual people that you will encounter along the way. Before leaving the States, I had a goal of being extra intentional with the people I would meet. The key to intentionality is being fully present, one of my personal goals I had coming into the program.
One of the greatest blessings I have gotten from this program thus far is the connection that I was able to make through the many activities the program offers to meet other students at the beginning. At the start of the program, don’t be shy to reach out, put yourself out there and get to know people because that’s where deep friendships are formed! If a conversation doesn’t work out, entonces, no pasa nada, so move on and tray again. For me, what started out as casual conversations during that first week, later turned into deep friendships that I hold very close to my heart. So, put yourself out there and go explore the beautiful streets of Sevilla, go on spontaneous trips to explore nearby cities or other countries because it is truly during those times that you form genuine friendship. For me, it was through spontaneous trips, endless gelato and tapa outings that I got to know people so well and formed friendships that I know will keep for a lifetime. For me, traveling all over Spain and the EU thus far has been an indescribable experience and gift for me because of the people I get to travel with.
My friend Grace and I exploring Sevilla and our favorite place, La Plaza de España.
Personally, building meaningful connection has been staying true to who I am and knowing that my identity rests in Christ alone. Be kind, honest, build others up, and be your true self; people connect well with kindness and honesty if you are willing to be genuine, vulnerable, and love people for who they are the way Christ does—that’s where true friendship forms naturally. Speaking from personal experiences, sharing a meal, random gelato runs, getting lost in a new city or neighborhoods, walks along the breathtaking Guadalquivir river, and talking for hours was how I deeply connected with some of the girls in ways that I never expected.
Stepping out of my comfort zone was a crucial part of making meaningful friendships for me while in Sevilla, so say yes to new experiences, try different foods (even if it looks peculiar), and be willing to navigate unfamiliar places because as it did for me, it will stretch you in ways you will never expect but for the best.
Our gelato choices from one of our spontaneous “gelato runs.”
Another incredible aspect of studying abroad here in Sevilla is the ease of traveling together. Exploring new countries, cities and towns, splitting travel costs, and sharing these once in a lifetime opportunity has brought me closer to these group of girls in ways that words fail to express. There is something unexplainable about laughing through mishaps of getting lost in a new place and discovering the gems of what each place has to offer with people who were once strangers but become like family at the end.
Spontaneous trip to Paris, France with my friend Grace. An incredible way to form meaningful connections!
Studying abroad and making new connections with new people is exciting, but at the core of all that, make sure to remain fully grounded in your personal values and staying true to who you are. It is easy to get swept up in the excitement of the new experience, but know that people also have different values than you, so stay grounded in yours. With so much independence that you will have, it’s easy to get swept up in all of it, but always ask yourself: “Does this choice or action honor the Lord?” Being believers and attending a Christian university, we are called to live out as ambassadors and representatives of the Kingdom and that means holding firmly to values that glorify the Lord and seeking His guidance. For me, I have seen all of it, but what has helped me is always asking myself “For Whom do I live and Whose Kingdom am I serving. Does this decision glorify Christ and am I listening when the Holy Spirit is trying to convict me?”
The Lord has blessed me with some incredible, genuine friendship from this program and reflecting back now, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the sweet, friendships that I have been able to build here in Sevilla. My encouragement is this: get involved in the community through Acción Saludaria (a community service program the school offers), sign up for an Intercambio, Encuentro, and Sevillanas, and be an active participant! For me, I was able to actively participate in all of those and that was where I made meaningful friendship connections while serving people.
My friend Bella and I from our first Sevillanas class and we absolutely loved it!
The whole squad of Spring 2025 decided to participate in Sevillanas which has been a blast thus far!
This program as a whole is a tremendous blessing, so take advantage of what it has to offer. Personally, it has brought me incredible people who pray for me, challenge me, encourage me, and support me in ways I never expected before. In times of fear, uncertainties, and growth, I am and was reminded of His faithfulness: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be dismayed” Deuteronomy 31:8. Know that the Lord knows exactly what you need and the kind of people you need to mature and grow with; the Lord takes care of His own and you are no exception to that. The Lord has been so faithful in giving me the sweetest connections and friendships and I have no doubt He will do the same for you just as He promises: “And my God will meet all of your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19. For me, my greatest gift from this program has been the friendship that God has blessed me with.
The sweetest moments that God has blessed me with through this semester.
My biggest advice and encouragement to you is this: Be fully present in the moment during your study abroad experience, go out of your comfort zone, and love people well. At the end, the meaningful friendship you will get out of your time while in Spain will be your greatest blessing of your experience.
One of my all-time favorite memories.
~Abigail Fenske; Spring 2025
