Intercambios with Spanish Students - Seville, Spain

"My experience with my intercambio really helped me to learn more about living in Sevilla. I learned how to speak informally with friends, the slang people used, and so many more aspects of life that are not taught in the classroom. Also, I learned to be patient when explaining myself and understanding another person's responses."                          -Aniell Daczka,                           Susquehanna University   Every year more than 200 Spanish students enroll in ESL courses at The Center for Cross-Cultural Study. This provides the opportunity for an intercambio – a conversational exchange that encourages language practice and friendships between Americans and Spaniards. Students are paired with each other based on mutual interests. Sevillanos and CC-CS students first meet at a fiesta on the main patio of the Center, where the intercambio begins. Each partnership presents the opportunity for the U.S. student to get a new perspective on the Sevillano way of life, and for the Spaniard to gain insight into American culture.   The Center actively promotes regular interaction of Spanish and American students by organizing social events and cultural activities such as outings to the theater, festivals and carnivals, art exhibits, concerts of classical and contemporary music, video presentations, and parties with Spanish students. The Center’s philosophy encourages students to set aside American friendships temporarily and develop Spanish ones, in order to become more a part of the culture of Seville.   Read "40 Años de Intercambio Cultural," an article in Seville's local newspaper Diario de Sevilla about the Center's cross-cultural role in the local community.