24 Nov Thanksgiving abroad

 

Your ultimate guide to surviving Thanksgiving while studying abroad in Spain

 

Thanksgiving! One of the hardest parts about studying in Sevilla for the fall semester is “missing out” on family time during a holiday that celebrates togetherness. At Centro Mundolengua, the semester study abroad program in Sevilla includes a Thanksgiving dinner, so at least you won’t feel like you are totally abandoning your American roots. That said, it won’t feel exactly like home, but studying abroad in Spain offers an excuse to create new Thanksgiving traditions!

 

1. Celebrate Thanksgiving abroad with your program provider

Centro Mundolengua brings the USA a little closer to students! Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and American flags – you name it! Participating in activities organized through the program allows you not only to enjoy a typical American Thanksgiving, but also to learn about fellow study abroad students’ traditions. When you return to the USA, maybe you can incorporate them into your family’s traditions!

2. Share Thanksgiving with your international friends

Showing your Spanish, German, etc. friends Thanksgiving is a good way to teach them about American culture. All semester, you have been learning about European culture, specifically Spanish culture. Have your friends over for dinner! Order a roasted chicken, and prepare other typical Thanksgiving’s Day food.

3. Invite you parents and celebrate Thanksgiving abroad together

Inviting your parents to come visit you while you’re studying abroad is a good compromise that allows you to create new traditions, spend time with family, and hold on to a few familiar memories. Although, classes are usually held on Thanksgiving (because it is an American holiday, not a Spanish one), there are never classes on Friday for study abroad students at the University Pablo de Olavide! The long weekends will allow you to show your family around Sevilla. You can even take a day trip to Granada or Cádiz while you celebrate Thanksgiving together!

4. Travel

Finally, traveling on Thanksgiving is another alternative. As the semester comes to an end and project deadlines approach, this weekend could be a good time to make any last minute trips around Spain or Europe.

We hope this advice can help you develop your own Thanksgiving traditions while studying abroad in Spain. Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Centro Mundolengua!