Sevilla

Sevilla is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to. A city that feels like a small town, charming, sweet, bustling, and bright. Almost magical. The architecture was absolutely to die for, especially the Plaza de España that felt like a movie set. Horses wandered around orange tree-lined roads and white fountains sparkled in hidden coves of boutique shops and tapas bars.

I spent the last month of my gap year here, interning at a small travel company whose team was incredibly passionate an

d excited to welcome me. Spanish office culture turned out to be refreshingly chill and kind—nothing like the hustle I'd imagined. Coffee breaks became my favorite part of the day, where my coworkers patiently listened to my stumbling Spanish and gently corrected me without ever making me feel self-conscious. My manager gave me real responsibility, trusting me to schedule posts on Twitter and Instagram that actually represented the brand.

Beyond work, I met people from all over the world through my friends' internships with Spanish Ole and other programs. There were late-night conversations in plazas, spontaneous flamenco shows, and dinners that stretched until midnight. What made it special wasn't just the diversity of backgrounds—it was how Sevilla itself created this safe, warm space where striking up conversations with strangers felt natural.

Sevilla taught me that travel doesn't always have to be about getting "out of your comfort zone." In my internship, I learned that not everything has to be artificially fast-paced and stressful. Slowing down and getting to know your coworkers, taking time in the day to have fun together, and most of all trust were the key components to my success and love for this internship. Sometimes the most valuable experiences come from leaning into ease rather than constantly pushing against it.