Jacob Gruttner
CAS ’26
Neurobiology
SA: CASA Sevilla
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Ask Me About…
One unique aspect of my study abroad experience that other students should ask me about is what it’s like to be fully immersed—in language, culture, academics, and community engagement—all at once. I studied in Sevilla, Spain through a small program of about 25 students, which created a tight-knit community and allowed for more individualized support and opportunities. From living with a host family to taking all my classes in Spanish, including program excursions and day-to-day interactions, I was surrounded by the language 24/7, which accelerated my fluency and deepened my cultural understanding.
The program also included a course called Más Allá de Los Estereotipos, a cultural immersion seminar that combined research with volunteering in the local community. This unique combination helped me go beyond surface-level engagement and examine the complexities of Spanish society firsthand. It also offered built-in opportunities for volunteering and conducting fieldwork, making the experience academically enriching as well as personally meaningful.
If students are looking for a program that balances language immersion, cultural exploration, community involvement, and academic growth—all while living with a host family in the most beautiful city in Spain—then I’d highly recommend CASA-Sevilla.
My Experience Abroad
My semester in Sevilla was deeply connected to both my academic and professional goals. As a Hispanic Studies minor, I was able to earn two elective credits toward my minor, but more importantly, the program helped me achieve a long-standing personal goal: living in Spain to improve my Spanish and immerse myself in the culture. The experience was incredibly language-intensive—every class, excursion, and interaction with my host family took place entirely in Spanish—which accelerated my fluency in a way that would have been impossible in a traditional classroom setting.
As a future doctor, I believe being able to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking patients is essential. This program has given me the tools and confidence to do just that. While I still plan to strengthen my medical vocabulary, I now feel fluent in conversational Spanish and culturally competent, which will allow me to better connect with patients and provide more inclusive care.
Beyond the classroom, this experience also shaped my future aspirations. I hope to return to Spain during my gap year—either to teach English or engage in research—so I can continue building on the foundation I established during this semester. This program was not just an academic experience, but a meaningful step toward becoming a more empathetic, informed, and globally minded physician.
Other Highlights
- My Host Family: Living with a host family was by far one of the most impactful parts of my experience. They played a huge role in helping me improve my Spanish through nightly dinners and constant conversation about everything from politics to daily life. They made me feel incredibly welcome and at home, and our connection was one of the main reasons I was able to gain fluency.
- Traveling Throughout Spain and Europe: One of the best parts of this program is how easy it is to travel on weekends. I was able to explore cities across southern Spain—like Granada, Cádiz, and Córdoba—as well as countries like Scotland, Germany, Morocco, and Portugal. The program is rigorous, but the schedule allows you time to explore if you plan ahead.
- A Change of Pace from Penn: Sevilla offered a much slower, more relaxed lifestyle than I was used to at Penn. I had time to run, paint, do yoga, and enjoy the outdoors in a way I typically don’t during the semester. It reminded me of the importance of balance and helped me reset mentally and emotionally.
- Cultural Celebrations: Experiencing Semana Santa and La Feria was unforgettable. From religious processions that lasted through the night to dancing flamenco in traditional dress at a massive fairground, I got to witness and participate in Sevillano culture in a truly immersive way.
