Before coming to Drexel, I knew I was interested in global health, but I did not have much experience traveling. My curiosity about how medicine translates across cultures led me to Spain, where I enrolled in a Spanish language immersion and cultural homestay. I wanted to learn not just the language, but also how people in another country approach health, wellness and balance.

Over five weeks, I lived with a family who welcomed me wholeheartedly into their home and routines. We ate homemade dinners every night (my favorite was judías verdes con jamón y huevos) and shared stories over espresso each morning. I learned about their family’s history and life in post-Franco Spain, gaining insight into how cultural context shapes health and wellness.

Afternoon Spanish classes helped me build fluency, which I immediately was able to apply in the community. Each time I explored local cafes to study or read, without fail, someone would sit down to chat with me. I was struck by how friendly and open the Spanish culture is, and how often conversations with strangers turned into meaningful exchanges.

I met a wide range of people who expanded my understanding of culture and their perspective on wellness. A TSA agent who only worked two days a week spoke to the country’s prioritization of work-life balance. A nutritionist collaborated with two local farmers to design family meal plans. A nurse in a pain clinic told me how emotionally complex it can be to induce pain as part of therapeutic care. A fitness instructor invited me to her gym and showed me how exercise can be a social, joyful experience — not a punishment.

The experience reminded me that there is no one “right” way to approach health. It strengthened my belief that cultural context matters deeply in medicine and reaffirmed the importance of practicing patience, curiosity and compassion — values I’ve always held, but now strive to apply more intentionally each day.

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