FAQ's

DAILY LIFE

What is life like in Seville?
Seville is a dynamic, bustling, and sophisticated European city with a rich array of restaurants, festivals, public rituals, music, theater, movies, and wonderful parks, river walks, and boat tours. Founded by the Romans, the city is over 2200 years old and boasts several significant archaeological sites. Throughout the centuries, Seville maintained a prominent position as the capital of several Moorish dynasties and the economic epicenter of the Spanish colonial expansion and trade.
How do I get around Seville?
Walking, buses, and taxis are the most efficient ways to get around Seville. Bus passes (bonobús) are available for discounted fares. Many students take advantage of a local bicycle rental service, or Sevici. In addition to these methods, students may wish to take advantage of the recently completed subway system.
What is the weather like in Seville?
Seville can be very warm and rainy in the fall and spring; the weather in the winter is likely to be milder than at home (it seldom goes below freezing).
How far is my commute to class?
Students should be prepared for a daily commute from the host family apartment to the university. Most home stays are generally within a twenty to thirty-minute walk from the program center and the main campus of the Universidad de Sevilla.
Where will I live?
All program students are required to live with local host families for the duration of their program. The families who host our students are key partners in our organization and have been working with us for many years to support your language and culture learning.
Are meals included?
The program fee you pay your home university covers the costs of your home stay, including laundry and three meals a day.
Is the local cuisine vegetarian/vegan friendly?
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes plant-based foods and healthy fats. You eat mostly veggies, fruits, and whole grains. Extra virgin olive oil is the main source of fat. CASA Sevilla Housing Coordinator tries to find host families that can accommodate students with special diets.
How much free time do I have? What can I expect to do outside of class?
You will have plenty of time to enjoy the city and travel on the weekends. Sports -especially bicycle rides or rowing on the Guadalquivir river- and walks through the streets, squares, and parks in the city, are recreational options chosen by many Sevillians, in addition to tapas with family and friends. Some students also choose to join the Universidad de Sevilla choir or sign up for flamenco dance classes.
I have accommodations (academic, health, housing) at my home university. Can I expect the same accommodations in Seville?
Disability laws, resources, and practices vary, so you may not receive exactly the same accommodations when you are abroad as at your home institution. See the Health & Safety page for more details.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Can I arrive early to my study abroad program?
Please note that you will only be able to enter Spain/the Schengen Zone on or after your visa start date. Program housing is provided beginning on the program start date only.

ACADEMICS

What is a typical class schedule? How many classes will I take?
Students take classes Monday through Friday for 3 hours per class. In total, you enroll in 5 courses.
Who will I take classes with?
You will enroll in CASA courses alongside other CASA students in the cohort. For university classes, students may be in class with local students, other international students, and possibly some students from their CASA cohort.
Are there any required courses?
It is required that you enroll in a total of 5 courses. The only required course is the CASA Pro Seminar.
When and how do I register for courses?
Final course registration happens onsite in Seville. You will receive academic advising from CASA staff as part of the pre-departure virtual programming and will discuss preliminary coursework in which you would like to enroll.
How will my credit transfer back to my home school?
You should inquire further about the credit transfer process with your home school study abroad office as these policies may vary across institutions.
When can I expect to receive my grades?
Usually, fall grades are sent to the home school in March, and Spring grades are sent in July-August.

COSTS & FEES

How much does the program cost?
You can find the full program costs here. Please note that certain charges will be billed directly to students and/or their home school, while other charges are the responsibility of the student and should be accounted for in their overall program budget and cost of attendance.
How much money should I plan to spend?
Budgeting can vary depending on your personal spending habits. That said, we have put together a suggested budget here based on the current standard of living in Spain and previous student feedback.
Can I use my financial aid?
Most students who receive financial aid are able to apply these funds to their study abroad semester through CASA. Please contact your home school study abroad advisor and/or Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
Are there any withdrawal fees?
There may be withdrawal fees depending on the date of program withdrawal. Please work with your home school study abroad office to determine exact withdrawal costs. To see withdrawal dates and fees set by the program, please see the Program Costs page.

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

Are there excursions included?
Yes. CASA Sevilla includes a number of excursions throughout the semester. Please see the Excursions & Activities page for more information.
Can I intern, volunteer, or do research in CASA Sevilla?
Yes. CASA Sevilla includes volunteering as a core aspect of the program. Please see the Academics page for more information.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Do I need to get vaccinated before traveling?
Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website to reference updated guidance on recommended vaccinations and hygiene while in Spain.
I am currently taking prescription medications. Can I take them with me?
Prescribed medication regimens are important to your health and well-being. That said, some countries do not allow certain medications (including both prescription and non-prescription) and/or may require that you limit the quantity that you bring into the country at once. It may also be necessary to obtain a medical provider note or prescription documentation in order to travel with your medication. You should be sure to research the availability and legality of your prescription and non-prescription medications in advance of your semester abroad. Your university may have a travel health clinic and may also have an international travel insurance coverage that can answer questions about medications and immunizations.
Will I be covered by insurance when participating in the program?
Yes. Please see the Health & Safety Page.

DIVERSITY & BELONGING

What is the climate for LGBTQ+ people? Where can I find allies and support, and are there particular laws or safety concerns that I should be aware of?

Spain was the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005. Seville is recognized for its inclusivity and openness towards the LGBTQ+ community. The city hosts various events and has numerous venues that cater to LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in neighborhoods like Alameda de Hércules. The regional government funds centers and associations that offer support, legal advice, and social resources.

As of 2023, individuals can legally change their gender marker without requiring a medical diagnosis or hormone therapy. This includes minors aged 16 and older (and younger with certain conditions). Spain also passed a landmark gender self-determination law, allowing people to change their legal gender through a simple administrative process.

I am concerned I may be discriminated against because I am from a visible minority. What can I expect in Seville?
Seville is a culturally rich city with deep historical roots, known for its warmth and hospitality. While the overall experience is generally positive, it can vary depending on the individual and the context.

Seville is not as diverse as cities like Madrid or Barcelona, but it is home to North African, Latin American, Sub-Saharan African, and Asian communities. In some neighborhoods, particularly those that are less touristy or more conservative, you might get curious stares if you visibly stand out, awkward questions, or occasional stereotypes, depending on your background or how you speak. In general, it is more about unfamiliarity and lack of exposure rather than deliberate offense, though it can feel uncomfortable.

Younger generations tend to be more socially aware, and Spain has laws against racial discrimination. Still, racism can appear in systemic or subtle ways—especially in the job or housing markets—rather than through open hostility.

Can I find my religious community locally? Are there concerns about bias against people who share my religious identity?
In Sevilla, the general religious make-up is Catholic. However, in general, many religious communities are present in the city, though their size and visibility can vary. It is uncommon for someone to be openly hostile because of religion, but subtle misunderstandings or assumptions can happen.

Although Sevillians are mostly Catholic, you can also find Protestant, Evangelical, and Orthodox Christian churches. Non-Catholic Christians may feel somewhat outside the mainstream but usually do not face discrimination.

The Jewish population in Sevilla is small, but there is a presence - including a synagogue and cultural associations. Sevilla’s Jewish quarter (Barrio de Santa Cruz) is now more of a tourist spot than a residential hub, but the history is acknowledged. Overt antisemitism is not common, but knowledge about Judaism can be limited among locals, so sometimes you may encounter ignorance more than hostility.

There is a Muslim population in Sevilla, largely North African or Andalusian converts, with a few mosques and prayer spaces. Islam has deep historical roots in Andalusia, which adds a layer of cultural familiarity, but modern Muslims can still face bias or misunderstanding. Hijabi women sometimes report stares or discomfort, especially outside more diverse neighborhoods, but many also report feeling safe overall.

The Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist communities are small but growing, mostly tied to Indian, Nepalese, or East Asian residents. Finding a temple or center in Sevilla may be harder than in Madrid or Barcelona, but they do exist. Community events are often word-of-mouth or organized online.

Food associated with my religion is important to me. How can I maintain my diet?
Maintaining your religious diet in Sevilla is definitely possible, though it might take a bit of planning depending on your needs. Halal food is available in Sevilla, especially in areas with larger Muslim communities like Macarena or Polígono Norte.

You will find halal butchers, grocery stores, and some halal-certified restaurants - mostly Middle Eastern, North African, or South Asian cuisine.

Spanish locals often do not know what halal means, so in mainstream restaurants, it is safest to ask specifically or stick to vegetarian/seafood dishes.

Kosher options are limited in Sevilla. There is no full kosher grocery store, but some import shops and international markets stock kosher-certified items.

What do I do if I need accommodations for religious reasons?
Students seeking accommodations for religious reasons should communicate with their faculty at the beginning of the term regarding potential absences, particularly for scheduled exams or field travel, in order to arrange acceptable alternatives if possible. Please note that the public education system in Spain does not allow for academic accommodations based on religion and would not offer alternative arrangements for exams/field travel, etc.

APPLY/ELIGIBILITY

How do I apply to this program?
Application instructions can be found on the Apply page (include link).
Who can I contact for help with my application?
Please work with your home school study abroad office.

For non-CASA member visiting students, you may contact:
Cornell Global Learning

What is the language requirement for CASA Sevilla?
The University of Seville expects the equivalent of a B2 level of Spanish according to the European Common Framework for Languages. Generally, five or six semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) is required. You must be eligible to take any literature course in Spanish at your university.

Please work with your study abroad office regarding language requirements and eligibility. You may be asked to take a placement exam if you have not taken university-level coursework at the required level.

How will I prepare for travel?
CASA Sevilla staff, both in the US and overseas, offer comprehensive pre-departure virtual orientations, resources, and support to prepare you for your semester abroad. This will include guidance on academics, housing, program calendars, visas, internships, orientation, and more.
Do I need a visa to study in Spain? What is a student visa and how do I get one?
A student visa is an official authorization, typically placed in your passport, from a foreign government that shows you have permission to enter a country and enroll in full-time study for a specific period of time.

All students studying in Spain (except those with an EU passport; see note below) are required to apply for a Spanish student visa at a BLS Center or Spanish Consulate(s) with jurisdiction over their home school and/or state of permanent residence. As the process can take approximately 8-10 weeks at some Consulates, it is important that students have a valid passport – 6 months beyond the program end date – at the time of applying. Students are responsible for confirming the requirements with the consulate through which they intend to apply.

European passport holders: If you are a dual-citizen holding both an EU and US passport, we strongly encourage you to apply for a Spanish visa on your US passport. While you can legally study in Spain on an EU passport, it has proven very difficult and time-consuming to obtain the necessary appointment and registration of a NIE (foreign identification number) while in Spain. We have found it to be a much smoother and less stressful process to obtain a visa prior to your semester abroad in Spain.

Students should work with their home institution to find out if their school will be offering a batch visa process for their semester. If so, they should follow their home school’s instructions and deadlines. If not, they will need to apply independently.

FAQ's

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