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.

It's history lives, in the magnificent 14 th century Alcazars Moorish architecture; in the Giralda a former 12 th century minaret; in the Gothic style Catedral 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 16 th 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 all this 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. Its 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

• Capital and largest city of the historical and culturally diverse Andalusia region.
• Beaches of Costa del Sol, three hours away by train.
• Beaches of Portugal within four hours by bus.
• Close proximity to the Straits of Gibraltar, Morocco and all of Northern Africa.
• Seville is located in southwestern Spain.
• Convenient hub that connects to all points of Europe by train or air.

Why

• Alcazar - royal 14th century residence created by Mudejar (Moor) artisans.
• Catedral- built in the 15 th century, the third largest church in Christendom.
• Royal Fortresses- a mixture of the Mudejar, Gothic and Renaissance styles reflecting two great cultures: Christianity and Islam.
• Tower of Gold - 13 th century Almohad fortification on the banks of the Guadalquivir River.
• Giralda - a former minaret dating to the 12 th century. Regarded as the symbol of Seville and considered by many to be the world's most beautiful tower.
• District of Santa Cruz- formerly the Jewish Quarter containing narrow medieval streets and squares.
• Provincial Museum of Fine Arts - baroque building containing paintings by Murillo, Valdes Leal , Zurbaran, El Greco, Alonso Cano among others.
• Day of Inmaculada- (evening of December 7 th to 8 th ) all the Tunas (student fraternities in medieval dress) perform their traditional songs at the statue of Virgin Inmaculada.
• Procession of the Three Magi- (evening of January 5 th ) ride on horse drawn coaches giving small presents and sweets to children.
• The Archivo de Indias - a Renaissance building that serves as an archive for all documents relating to the discovery of the Americas.

Who

• Your fellow students come from a wide range of countries and backgrounds.
• Your teacher trainers are some of the most experienced and well trained in the industry.
• Your support staff is extremely helpful, courteous and will assist you wherever possible.
• The locals are peaceful, friendly people who like interacting with foreigners.

How Much (Fees for TESOL Course?)

• US$ 500 Deposit and 920 Euro Final Payment (excluding accommodation).
• Accommodations starting at: 300 Euros.

TEFL Course Schedule in Spain (Seville)