Sevilla Intercambios: The Key to Improving My Spanish Skills and My Confidence Abroad

My main goal for study abroad was to improve my Spanish as much as possible. I want to go into translation and interpretation, so it was important to me to talk with people outside of the classroom. Enter los intercambios. Intercambios—which translates literally to exchanges—are events, usually hosted weekly by a bar, where people can get together and practice speaking different languages. They are great opportunities to meet locals and other expats alike. (In my experience, it’s common to meet local Sevillanos, Spanish people from other cities, Italians, Latinos, and Americans).  

A great place to start: Thursday nights at Cafe Tarifa 

This is a Sevilla classic and likely one of the first intercambios you’ll hear about upon arrival. It hosts a lively, varied crowd of people that speak more languages than you can shake a stick at. Though it begins at 9 p.m., it doesn’t truly fill up until about 10 or 10:30 p.m. That said, arrive earlier if you want to chat with people in a quieter environment.  

This intercambio has a fluid structure—you can join a new group anytime. The organizer introduces himself to all new people. He’s a great resource for finding someone that speaks the language you want to practice. In your conversations, expect to switch naturally from language to language, and be willing to help someone else practice your native language, too.  

This event is a great place to build confidence talking about yourself, your background, and your interests, but you are unlikely to have an in-depth talk unless you find a repeat conversation partner each week or actively push the conversation to more complex topics. 

For deeper conversation: Wednesday nights at Checkpoint Arcade Bar 

This intercambio is hosted in a bar that also has arcade cabinets and board games available for about one euro. Another fun feature is the local artwork for sale up on the walls. The event itself is similar to that at Cafe Tarifa, but with a less fluid atmosphere.  

Here, I didn’t move between conversations as much, but I was able to meet a group that I chatted with across a couple of weeks, allowing us to delve more into complex conversation topics. Even first-time conversation partners here tend to be more willing to discuss a wider range of topics. Expect slightly smaller groups than Cafe Tarifa, which also aids deeper conversation.  

Once you start chatting, people are incredibly welcoming and kind—they want you to succeed.  

One con: I found it much more difficult to start talking with someone I don’t know. My best strategy is to keep an eye on the door and introduce yourself to the next person that walks in looking a little lost. At 10 p.m., everyone forms groups and competes against each other in song trivia, bingo, pop culture references, whatever the bartenders decide that night. If you haven’t found someone to talk to yet, it’s easy to meld into a group at this point. Sometimes you’re even grouped as you enter the bar and write your name tag.  

Once you start chatting, people are incredibly welcoming and kind. They want you to succeed and are incredibly supportive and often complimentary of your language skills. I even had a guy tell me he’d noticed a great improvement in my Spanish from when I’d first met him (once!) months ago. 

Language learning plus social confidence  

In addition to practicing language skills, coming to intercambios in Sevilla has greatly reduced my social anxiety and made me more open and relaxed with new people in new situations. Before, I always felt awkward in a room of people I didn’t know and kept to myself. Now, the thought of going to similar social events in the States is not anywhere near as daunting, because I’ve done it multiple times—in Spanish! 

Of course, there have been nights where my Spanish felt juvenile and clumsy. Or I was scared to strike up a conversation. Or I wound up with a conversation partner I didn’t really care for. But I’ve learned to shake it off and try again.  

Don’t be afraid to fail. The people at these events are very understanding, because they are also learners. They’re often patient and supportive. Don’t let one tough night keep you from going back. You’ll gain confidence and language proficiency in the long run, and you might even make new friends. 

Annika S. | Lewis and Clark College | Seville Universities , USevilla, Spain | Spring 2026