Housing
Housing is guaranteed for CASA Sevilla students throughout the duration of the program.
CASA Sevilla offers two housing options:
- Homestay accommodations
- Student residence hall
Homestay accommodations.
The CASA Sevilla program strongly encourages students to live with a host family to make the most of their language learning and to experience Sevillian culture, customs, and habits from a very personal perspective.
What are the benefits?
Being part of a local family helps you understand in depth cultural, historical, and artistic aspects of Spanish society. This experience also allows you to better understand and appreciate the special connection of families with their neighborhoods, and in turn enrich your perception of the city.
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. Alumni responses show that homestays are one of the best things about our program, and other studies about study abroad support this, too. Our families are committed to welcoming you into their homes and to making your stay with them comfortable.
What is included?
The homestay accommodation fee covers all meals, providing full board seven days a week for the entire semester. Bed sheets and towels are supplied, and a weekly laundry service is included. In addition, internet access is available in all homestay accommodations.
Students are given their own set of keys to the residence, typically an apartment or condominium, allowing them the flexibility to come and go freely. While you are not expected to perform any household chores and will not be held to a curfew, you are expected to comply with certain family expectations, such as making your bed daily or calling if you are late for a meal. This is common courtesy, and can go a long way in establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere at home.
What can I expect?
Most host families house two program participants in a double room. Single rooms have limited availability. Although the program generally does not place more than two students in one home, some host families may be hosting students from other programs.
As family life can vary in the U.S., the definition of family can vary in Spain. A typical host family will not necessarily include two parents or children your age. Students often find their host is a widow or a divorcee who houses students to supplement her income.
Seville is a large city, so you can expect your host family placement to be further from the center of campus than if you were in Philadelphia or Ithaca. Most home stays are in apartment buildings, generally within a twenty to thirty-minute walk from the program center and the main campus of the University of Seville. In some cases, you may be required to take a bus. Under no circumstances will you be placed outside the public transportation system.
"I loved living with a host family because I was able to create deep connections with my host mom in particular, practice my Spanish, and learn more about culture and life in Sevilla than I could have imagined."
"The food was great and nutritious and I got to learn about what foods they eat normally here. My host mom was a wonderful cultural ambassador, and I got to enjoy things like Semana Santa with her. When I got sick, I had someone to care for me. Every day I knew I wouldn't be alone when I came home, and that I'd have someone to lean on or have a laugh with. I also got a lot of exposure to Spanish input through TV, radio, and conversations. Even when there were challenges, I was grateful to work through them and become a better communicator because of it. It was a total joy."
Residence hall accommodations.
Students who opt for residence hall housing will be assigned a private room equipped with an en-suite bathroom and access to a kitchen. The accommodation package includes full board from Monday through Friday, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Students are responsible for their meals on weekends and public holidays.
Residence halls provide an international living environment, bringing together students from across Spain and different parts of the world. Rooms come fully furnished and include essential amenities such as bed linens, internet access, heating and air conditioning, as well as a cleaning service every two weeks. Residents also have access to shared facilities within the building, including dining areas, lounges, study spaces, and laundry rooms.
As part of the Beyond Stereotypes course, and to ensure that all program participants can experience local life, students who select a residence hall will participate in the Viviendo Sevilla program, which includes weekly visits with a Sevillano family for shared meals and activities.
Please note that CASA Sevilla will offer this option for the first time in the spring semester of 2027 and therefore we do not have student testimonials yet.
