In June, the Seville Abroad program welcomed 32 students to experience two and a half weeks of cultural immersion, new friendships and meaningful service.  Designed around the three core requirements of IB’s Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) , the trip offered students the chance to step outside of the classroom and explore the beautiful country of Spain. Whether it was dancing the flamenco, volunteering with the elderly or picking up local trash, the trip not only left students with lifelong memories but with a broader view of the world and themselves.

In the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, student complete CAS as a core requirement of their learning. Each student is responsible for completing the required hours and the Seville trip was designed specifically to help students meet these goals through blended structured volunteering with cultural exploration.

According to junior Helena Urrea, “A typical day started with waking up early in the dorms, then volunteering, and finally going out for dinner and exploring the city.”

Each component of CAS was completed in a special and meaningful way. For service, students volunteered at Yago School, an international IB school in Sevilla, and elderly care centers.

“I do believe my actions had a real impact,” Mia McClusky (’26) said. “We volunteered with the elderly and disabled, and I think those things can have a positive change on someone’s day or week.”

Urrea continued to recall how emotional goodbyes revealed the depth of their impact.

“After spending a few hours talking and doing activities with them, I would notice them being upset when we were leaving. It let me know that our time with them mattered.”

For the “activity” component, students danced flamenco, tried padel (a Spanish racket sport) and even cliff-jumped in Cádiz, another Spanish city.

“Cliff-jumping into the ocean with locals was definitely my favorite part,” Collin Rosenberg (’26) said. “It didn’t even happen in Seville, but it was such a cool, spontaneous moment.”

Lastly, students were able to express their creativity in various activities.

“We were doing activities like flamenco dancing which isn’t something I’m used to, but doing them surrounded by my friends made me more comfortable and made it a fun experience.” said Urrea (’26)

Student are even able to use one aspect of creativity, activity, and/or service into their CAS project. A project that needs to address any strand of CAS for over a month in duration. Urrea (’26) decided to show her cultural exploration in creativity perspective by creating a blog documenting her entire experience on instagram.

Beyond the scheduled activities, students walked away with notable skills and perspective through the cultural experience.

“I learned to be more independent,” Mccluskey said. “And became more aware of the importance of volunteering.”

Urrea felt the same and even enjoyed navigating the city solo.

“I found that I enjoy being independent, especially when I was able to leave the dorms by myself and explore on my own,” she said.

For meals, the students were able to try Spanish cultural food.

“The best food I had on the trip were probably Croquettes. I had these at almost every restaurant and they were delicious.” Kate Yelverton (’26) said.

For Rosenberg, the biggest surprise wasn’t cultural but in his now closer relationships.

“I learned that a lot of my classmates I hadn’t previously known were actually great people. I was glad to get closer with them.”

Cultural differences also stood out through students asking Spanish teens about their school systems, social norms, and daily life.

“We asked them about the differences between Spain and the U.S.,” Urrea said. “And got to learn about different social standards and expectations.”

When asked to summarize the trip in three words, responses ranged from “tiring, enjoyable, and enlightening” to “eventful, memorable, and exciting.”

While the CAS requirement may have prompted the trip, it was the growth, friendships, and perspective gained that made it unforgettable.

“My actions on the trip in Sevilla impacted me,” said Rosenberg, “and I feel like that effect goes both ways to the people there as well.”