Five Howard Payne University students are beginning the fall 2026 semester in Brownwood with new language skills and a different perspective on academics after spending a month immersed in Spanish culture and daily life in Seville, Spain.
The students participated in Howard Payne’s Spain Summer Immersion Program through the Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies. The program combined university coursework, cultural study and real-world experiences designed to place students fully in Spanish language and society.
Students lived, studied and communicated in Spanish
During the program, students lived with host families and communicated with them entirely in Spanish. They also earned HPU credit hours through the University of Seville, took part in agricultural and business visits, and attended church services conducted in Spanish.
Ana Faulk, a junior from Alvarado, said adjusting to a new language and lifestyle was initially difficult. Her host mother did not speak English, giving Faulk the opportunity to practice Spanish throughout daily life.
“Although I had learned some Spanish before, I learned so much more when I arrived at my host home and found that my host mother spoke no English,” said Faulk.
Faulk said the experience ultimately increased her confidence in understanding and speaking Spanish and helped her become more adaptable. She also observed that daily routines in Seville differed from those in the United States, including later mealtimes, afternoon siestas, later evenings and widespread walking instead of driving.
“Because of my time in Seville, I feel that I have gained these skills and am far more prepared for upper-level coursework,” she said.
Coursework connected language to Spain’s history and economy
Dr. Danny Brunette-López, HPU professor of Spanish and department chair, directed the immersion program. He said students took two HPU Spanish classes at the University of Seville during their month-long stay and traveled on major excursions to Cádiz, Córdoba and Granada.
The academic experience also included lessons about Spain’s agricultural economy. Students learned about the country’s role as the world’s largest producer and exporter of olives and olive oil, while visits and tours connected classroom learning with businesses, agriculture and historic locations.
The group visited historical sites dating to ancient Roman times and studied how Christian, Arab and Jewish cultures coexisted during the Middle Ages. That cultural interaction influenced the art, architecture, literature and music of the period, according to Brunette-López.
Faulk said touring cultural and historical sites was her favorite part of the program. Stops included the Real Alcázar, the tomb of Christopher Columbus and the Barrio Santa Cruz.
“Seeing ancient palaces while hearing about their history in Spanish definitely added to the experience,” she said.
Who participated and what comes next
In addition to Faulk, the participants were Jaden Elie of Edgewood, Lauren Phelps of Bangs, Arianna Sanchez of Early and Katelynn Turner of Katy. Brunette-López was joined by Lisa Medlin, chair of HPU’s Department of Criminal Justice and assistant professor of criminal justice, and Martha Treviño-Brunette, the university nurse.
Brunette-López said the students represented Howard Payne University while studying abroad. The university describes the experience as part of its broader mission to prepare students through academic programs, personal connection, service and leadership.
Howard Payne’s Spain Summer Immersion Program is next scheduled for summer 2028. Prospective students can learn more about HPU or apply for admission through the university’s website.