Program Abroad:
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Semester Abroad (SA): Penn Semester in Seville: Consortium for Advanced Studies Abroad (CASA), Spain
Ask me about...
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Living in a homestay
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Taking classes in Spanish
My Experience Abroad:
As a Religious Studies major, a semester abroad in Seville, Spain allowed my studies to truly come to life. Seville is a meeting point of the three Abrahamic religions, and it’s well-known for having a religiously rich past. While I was there, I not only had the chance to take classes like Islamic Art and the History of Modern Spain to learn about this past, but I also conducted independent research to learn about the religiously rich present. I specifically focused on the living Jewish community of Andalusia. I had never done research before, but the chance to try and to have phenomenal experiences interviewing members of the Jewish communities in southern Spain was absolutely unforgettable.
Other Highlights:
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Living in a homestay
I’m so glad that I had the experience of living in a homestay long-term and of getting to know a Spanish family so intimately. -
Finding a community in Spain
I had planned to study Jewish history in Seville, and what I ended up discovering was a thriving Jewish present. I was immediately welcomed as a community member and had the chance to celebrate a number of holidays with them. -
Christmastime in Sevilla
It was an absolutely idyllic setting during that time of year, and although I don’t celebrate Christmas, I found myself totally overwhelmed by the Christmas beauty. -
Holiday travels in Italy
It was my only trip outside of Spain, and it was such an amazing opportunity to experience the famed Italian art, architecture, culture, and cuisine.
