Spain: Mathew Norton (Places: Routine & Favorite)

Places: Routine & Favorite

One building that is very much a part of my routine is the CIEE study center: renovated from an 18th century palace, the architecture is quite pretty and the classrooms are small yet charming. My intensive session class at the start of the semester was held here, and I still have class here four days a week. It’s where I go to learn in my history or gastronomy courses, meet with my advisor, or attend many of the program events (like karaoke!). It provides a great environment to socialize with other students on the program as well as the CIEE staff. With a fountain in the middle under sky access and plants scattered about, it makes it cozier for the occasional study when I get the chance. I always look forward most to the people I get to see and interact with there, even though I do very much enjoy the building too.

One place that sticks out to me here in Seville is the Plaza de España. I’ve only visited a handful of times, but I always find myself reflecting in its presence, crying nearly every time. It’s gorgeous, and when I first saw it on a guided tour with the program, it hit so hard for me the fact that I am really in Spain and I get this amazing opportunity. The semicircular form lets you see nearly all of it from many different angles, and the sunlight shines beautifully on its surface. The plaza has intricately designed tiles representing each of the 49 Spanish provinces outside of Sevilla. I find that the site never fails to impress me, and I save it for special moments so I can really take in the view.

 

Matthew Norton  

Major: Computer Sciences, Mathematics

Hometown: Hopkins, MN

Program: CIEE Advanced Liberal Arts & Liberal Arts in Seville, Spain