HOW DID YOU ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WHILE ABROAD?
While abroad in Seville, I navigated different communities with my professor and peers with various histories and backgrounds. Some included Santa Cruz, Nervión, Triana, and Polígano Sur. My experience in Polígano Sur was the most profound as I got to learn from Polígano Sur natives about the history of how its population formed, the use of music (specifically Flamenco) as a means of self-expression and community building, and explore the public community center named Factoría Cultural- dedicated to cultural expression- that acts as the community’s backbone. While being walked through all of what Factoría Cultural has to offer, a speaker stated, “This city’s infrastructure is based on colonial instruction.” Colonialism has impacted communities globally, but hearing the ways the center works to help dismantle barriers and prejudices stemming from colonialism within Seville was engaging and inspiring.

WHAT'S ONE STORY OR IMPORTANT ASPECT YOU ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR TIME ABROAD?
One story I like to share from my time abroad is listening to the BLISS (Black Ladies in Seville Spain) speakers talk about navigating life as Black women in Spain during a panel. Hearing insights on the subtleties of racism (stemming strongly from lack of exposure and prejudice) and the influence of African culture in flamenco really stood out to me. Also, hearing how they stay connected to their Black identity—through community, music, and celebrating Black history (like hosting a BBQ for Black History Month even though it isn't celebrated in Spain)—emphasized how vast, resilient, and diverse Black culture is around the world. The conversation made me consider how I think about my own identity outside of the U.S., and how, in other countries, race isn't always as central to identity, allowing them to see themselves beyond their Blackness in ways that are different from the U.S.