We sat down with Ryan Kilner ‘25 (management information systems) to learn about studying abroad in Seville, Spain.
Why did you choose Seville, Spain?
Seville stood out to me as an excellent choice for several reasons. I always knew that I wanted to study in a Spanish-speaking country to enhance my language proficiency and fully immerse myself in the culture. Not only did it meet that requirement, its smaller size compared to larger cities such as Madrid and Barcelona offered a more intimate and authentic experience, while its reputation for excellence further solidified my decision.
What’s your favorite thing about Seville?
While it is hard to choose a singular favorite thing, one thing I enjoyed was the different pace of life that the city offered. Coming from the U.S., I am used to a very fast-paced, busy lifestyle. In Seville however, things are much slower with a noticeably greater emphasis on community, relaxation, and spending time with friends and/or loved ones.
It is extremely common to go out to a tapas restaurant (a restaurant serving small appetizers and drinks) and sit for hours just talking with others about anything and everything. What I loved about this is it gave me time not just to relax and take things slow for a change, but to focus on building relationships with the friends I made there. While there are pros and cons to both ways of life, having this cultural experience taught me valuable lessons about how I manage my time back at home.
Who did you meet that significantly impacted you during your time abroad?
I would say that by far the people that I met during my time abroad had the largest impact on me. One decision I made while studying abroad was to live with a host family which provided me with a unique and insightful experience. Not only did I build a strong connection with this family, but was also able to better understand Spanish culture and feel the cultural differences on a deeper level. I also made so many amazing friends, all of whom I have stayed in close contact with upon coming back to the States. I am so grateful for these people as they pushed me outside of my comfort zone in many ways, elevated my overall experience, and also taught me very valuable life lessons.
What's something you learned about that you didn't know beforehand?
One thing I did not know about Seville is how amazing the city's architecture is. At this point, I have been to over twenty European cities, none of which are comparable to Seville. Due to this region's complicated history and rule by multiple empires, ranging from Roman influence to hundreds of years of Islamic rule, there is not only a large variety of architectural styles but also an incredibly unique ambiance. On top of this, the city is extremely colorful, something that appropriately matches the overall vibe and cultural feel.
If someone were to travel to where you studied abroad, what is one thing or place they have to experience?
Anyone who visits Seville has to experience Plaza de España at sunset. It is an architectural marvel, boasting stunning Renaissance and Moorish-inspired designs set against a backdrop of picturesque canals and bridges, creating an enchanting and unforgettable atmosphere. Pair this with a beautiful Andalusian sunset and you really can't beat it. As a bonus, it is surrounded by the beautiful Maria Luisa Park, the most relaxing and lively park the city has to offer.
What advice do you have for students who want to study abroad?
Do it! No matter where you are in life, there is so much to learn and experience by studying abroad. It is a unique opportunity that while so much fun, is also very challenging at times. However, by forcing yourself to go outside of your comfort zone and work through these challenges, you will learn about yourself and the world around you. Not only did this experience open my mind, allowing me to see the world from a more global perspective, but it also helped me grow as a person. I gained a better understanding of myself along the way, realizing the importance of following my heart and prioritizing the things in life that bring me happiness.
What will you take back with you to RIT from your experience?
One major thing that I will take back to RIT is my understanding of fellow RIT students, especially those who are from different parts of the world including the US. Being a Rochester native, up until this point I had never experienced leaving home and living elsewhere for an extended period - a common experience for most college students. While there are many amazing opportunities that this can provide, there are many challenges and difficulties that I now have a better understanding of. This is especially true for the many international students that we have on campus, who specifically experience unique challenges being in an entirely new culture, speaking a non-native language, in an often far different college environment.
Did studying abroad widen your worldview?
Absolutely! One of the highlights of my time abroad was the chance to explore both Morocco and Turkey. These two destinations stand out as the most unique and culturally different places I've ever visited, particularly Morocco. Initially, there were concerns among friends and family about traveling to these countries based on their preconceived notions. I too approached the journey with some uncertainty, however, while it is always important to exercise caution, I discovered that many of these perceptions were unfounded. Despite the many differences in people, cuisine, lifestyle, and more, I was surprised to find numerous similarities as well. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we all shared common aspirations – to provide for our families and find happiness in life. Above all, I felt safe throughout my travels. My biggest takeaway from this experience is that true understanding of the world can only come from firsthand experience, and the perceptions that we have are not always founded in reality.
Did studying abroad give you a new perspective on your major?
While the courses I took while abroad were all non-major electives, this and my overall experience helped to develop a lot of important skills that can translate to my major and future career endeavors. For example, one thing I did quite often was presentations in Spanish. This alongside all of my language immersion vastly improved my communication skills, specifically when communication barriers exist. This can not only be applied in the classroom but also any future workplace environment.
