JACKSONVILLE — As orginally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s media department, Jacksonville State University’s Department of History and Foreign Languages is offering students an opportunity to study abroad this summer with a month-long educational trip to Seville, Spain. The program will run from May 9 through June 7, 2026, and includes travel to historic and cultural sites across the country.
Students will live with host families while attending daily classes at the CLIC International House. Beyond academics, participants will immerse themselves in Spanish culture through activities such as dance lessons, cooking classes, theater performances, and flamenco shows. Excursions are planned to destinations including the Alcázar of Seville, the Alhambra in Granada—famously featured in Game of Thrones—Madrid, and the Mediterranean Coast.
“It’s fully immersive,” said Spanish instructor Luke Michels, who is organizing the trip alongside Dr. Eduardo Pacheco. “If you want to learn Spanish, go to where they’re speaking Spanish … it just makes sense.”
Michels emphasized the unique opportunity for students to step into daily life abroad, noting that many participants have limited travel experience. “So many of these students have not only never been outside of the country, but a lot of them have never been outside the state,” Michels said. “This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will change their lives and the way they see the world.”
Students will also earn six academic credits during the trip, the equivalent of two summer courses. The estimated cost ranges from $4,800 to $5,400 and covers flights, tuition, travel within Spain, excursions, and textbooks.
An interest meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, at 4:30 p.m. in the Stone Center Room 320. Additional meetings will follow in October and November for students who want to learn more about the program.
