Teaching English in Seville Spain

Seville lives and breathes history. The past is not relegated to some dusty history book but is alive. Seville was already a major trading center when occupied by Rome. During Spain's apex of power, at the time of the Armada, it held a monopoly on trade with the Americas.

Its history lives, in the magnificent 14th century Alcazars Moorish architecture; in the Giralda a former 12th century minaret; in the Gothic style Cathedral the third largest church in Christendom; in the narrow medieval streets of the old Barrio Santa Cruz; in the extensive gardens of the Palace of San Telmo.

This is just a brief sampling of the intense beauty and culture to be experienced in this Iberian time capsule. At any turn one almost expects to come face to face with a Moorish warrior on horseback or a trio of conquistadors heading for the New World.
Seville's coexistence with the past doesn't stop with architecture. How about witnessing a medieval pageant unchanged since the 16th century?

Glimpse into the heart and soul of Spain. The festival of Semana Santa depicts the Passion of Christ, first created for a medieval audience. Huge wooden statues of saints are carried in a procession. At the head are the Nazarenos, men wearing long black medieval gowns with hoods, behind them Penitents, carrying crosses on their shoulders, followed by the Costaleros carrying the saints. These men are members of the Cofradia, an ancient brotherhood dedicated to keeping this ritual alive.

The second most important festival the Feira de Abril takes place two weeks later. The ladies of Seville turn out in their finest and most colorful Flamenco dresses. Casetas, provisional houses are decorated with colorful lamps. In the morning landowners arrive on horseback or in coaches. In the afternoon, the great party of Flamenco begins. Jerez (Sherry) is consumed with zest into the night. This is a weeklong party. During this time the most important bullfights are held. One can almost glimpse a bereted Hemmingway enthusiastically partaking with relish in these festivities. Seville is that rare place where the past and present meet.

So with this entire fine Jerez what's to eat?

Seville's typical dishes are simple but extraordinarily tasty. Try Gazpacho the famous cold soup, a vegetable cream made of tomato, cucumber, paprika, garlic, olive-oil and vinegar served with bread; Pescaito Frito, fish lightly coated with flour and sautéed in olive oil; Huevos a la Flamenca, a fried egg in tomato sauce with Chorizo (spicy Spanish sausage); Cocido Andaluz, a “hot pot” made of chick peas and garden fresh vegetables.

An infinite number of bars in the city offer Tapas “mini dishes”. Each local establishment claims its own house specialty. Sample, Huevas, fish-eggs with mayonnaise or vinaigrette; Pinchos Morunos , spicy morsels of meat; Pav de Pescado marinated fish sautéed in olive oil; Caracoles, snails in a tasty sauce; Jamon, cured ham and of course green olives.

The great local wines, Jerez (sherry), Manzanilla and Montilla are a perfect compliment. Traditional sweets are of a Moorish influence and are prepared often with honey or wine. Some local favorites are Torrijas and Llemas se San Leandro.

After a leisurely lunch or dinner a stroll is in order. Adjacent to the Catedral and Alcazar is the old Barrio Santa Cruz. Once the city's Jewish quarter, it consists of twisting medieval streets and is probably the most picturesque part of Seville. At night it's a hot spot for bars and restaurants.

Seville is the spiritual home of the Flamenco, several clubs present performances. Another area to explore is the Triana district across the river from Santa Cruz. It has many outside restaurants and bars. It’s unusual to find a public square that is not filled with diners or partygoers.
 
A stay in Seville is to experience the past and savor the present. This can be witnessed everywhere in its architecture and rich cultural history kept alive with such passion; the tasty cuisine accompanied by fine Sherries; the resonating sound of Flamenico music played into the night; the blending of Islam and Christianity.

Experience all this while studying for a TESOL certificate. Maybe with a TESOL you will never have to leave Seville again?

Where

Why

Who

How

Course Fee

09 January - 03 February 2012
06 February - 02 March 2012
05 March - 30 March 2012
02 April - 27 April 2012
30 April - 25 May 2012
28 May - 22 June 2012
25 June - 20 July 2012
06 August - 31 August 2012
03 September - 28 September 2012
01 October - 26 October 2012
29 October - 23 November 2012
26 November - 21 December 2012