This is the first post in EDUinReview’s new series, The College Budget Traveler. This series will help students who want to travel to different cities learn how to do so, while still remaining within their college-kid budget. Currently, I am living in Sevilla, Spain, and that’s where this post is about visiting.

Sevilla is in the south of Spain and is the fourth largest city in Spain. As such, it has many historical and cultural offerings, as well as a happening night life. In other words, it is a great destination for anyone to study abroad or visit while they are in Spain.

So, how can you visit the city where Christopher Columbus told the Spanish King and Queen that he found America while still staying within a budget? Here are some tips for the best places for students to stay, eat, and visit in Sevilla, Spain.

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Sevilla, Spain is probably the prettiest city I have ever seen. It is the perfect mix of old and new, big and small, and the nightlife is amazing!

What fascinates me the most are the centuries-old buildings that are still being used today. The thought that a building has been around for almost a thousand years and that I can walk through it today is just mind blowing. But when you consider a building as beautiful as La Catedral de Sevilla, it is absolutely breathtaking!

Many students who choose to study abroad also live with a host family. This is usually called a “homestay” study abroad experience.

Living with a new family can be a stressful experience. You are combining two different cultures and trying to make them live as a family for six weeks, a semester, or even a year. It can be very awkward. So here are my tips for a successful homestay experience.

I am currently living with a host family here in Sevilla, Spain. However, it is not what you would expect a typical family to be like. My family consists of my “mom,” a 74-year-old woman named Rosa, and her adult daughter, Christina, who is 40-years-old. This is not a strange thing though; most host families are not your typical family with a mom, dad and two kids.

Read also:

• Let’s Go To Spain!
• Staying Connected When Studying Abroad
• La Longa in Valencia Spain

My Newly Developed Budget

So I have been studying abroad for about two weeks now, and it just occurred to me how much money I’ve already spent. It is kinda of crazy to think I have almost spent 500 Euros in two weeks, when I don’t spend that much in an entire month in the States. Considering that what I am spending are Euros, which are worth $1.30 USD, I could really get into trouble if I do not cut back.

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Hey everyone! I am currently in Valencia, Spain, a beautiful city located right on the Mediterranean Sea. I will be vacationing here for a week before my classes start.

Valencia is home to La Lonja. La Lonja is a Gothic style building that was built in the late 15th century and served as a cultural hot spot. People came from across the country to conduct trade and socialize.

La Lonja is a huge building that can seen from blocks away; however, if you are awful with directions like me, you might get lost for three hours before you find it. But once you do find it, the gorgeous architecture and garden take your breath away. If you would like to see La Lonja for yourself, check out my (completely unprofessional) video tour above!

I think Llotja de la Seda was one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen, but Spain is filled with beautiful, historic  sites, so stay tuned and I’ll bring you more from my European study abroad!

Facts About La Longa:

• La Lonja means Silk Exchange. This describes the commercial nature of La Lonja.
• La Lonja has a Gothic style architecture. It is one of the oldest buildings in Spain and is a World Heritage Site.
• La Lonja was built between 1482 and 1548.
• Since Spain has been home to three main religious groups (Muslims, Christians, and Jews), there are many buildings that are designated for each particular religion. La Lonja is not one of these buildings. The Latin inscriptions on the wall of the main room declare La Lonja to be a commercial place for everyone.
• This is the translation of the Latin text: “I am an illustrious house built in fifteen years. Try and See, fellow-citizens, how negotiation is such a good thing when there is no lie in the speech, when it swears to the neighbour and does not deceive him, when it does not lend money with an interest charge for its use. The merchant who acts this way will prosper galore and at the end he will enjoy the eternal life.”

Read also:

• Let’s Go to Spain!