Meet Alexis- SYA Spain 2026
Extracurriculars Abroad: Sports club and teaching English.
Favorite SYA Class: I loved all of them! Something that is unique to SYA is that each class is rooted in learning outside of the classroom which makes it immersive and rewarding.
Favorite Food in Spain: As a vegetarian, I really liked the cafe culture in Spain. I see it as a part of the social environment and value of connections that Spanish culture fosters. I often went to different places to explore the local atmosphere, and creative food options like the savory pancakes they serve.
How did SYA impact your college search process?
SYA has made me reflect on my values and what I want from my education in the future. The SYA teachers make the school feel like a family and I appreciated how kind and welcoming they were. Considering all the meaningful connections I made during my time in Spain, I want to consider a school that has teachers who are as supportive as the ones from SYA.
Do you have a favorite memory with your host family?
My host family took me to Ordesa, a national park in the Pyrenees and small little villages surrounding it. I appreciated that they took the time to show me one of their favorite places. The views from the hike were extraordinary and it felt refreshing to be in nature. The hike in the mountains was a new experience for me and I appreciate that I tried out something exciting and different from my normal life in the US.
What did you learn abroad that surprised you?
I learned that I was capable of creating a life for myself no matter where I went. Especially before going to college where so many things in my life are bound to change, I was pleasantly surprised that I had become a traveler and a learner. I was resilient enough to leave home in the first place and then, stepping off of the plane, create a new existence for myself in a foreign country. It was a truly special experience.
